Gary Jan Berg, 74, of Valparaiso passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025. He was born October 16, 1951, in Gary, Indiana to Lester & Helen (Sucich) Berg and attended Portage Schools. Gary made his career with Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso for many years as an assembler before retirement. During that same time period, Gary enjoyed participating on various Porter County Special Olympic teams. He will be fondly remembered for his gregarious personality, tender heart, and thoughtful manner. His humorous approach and kind mannerisms endeared him to the scores of colleagues, family and friends he encountered over the decades. His prolific bicycle riding through the streets of Portage as a young man combined with his outgoing style made him well-known to city residents, and helped him earn the moniker of “Mayor of Portage”.
Survivors include his sisters: Bonnie (Rod) Hontz of Valparaiso, Susan Berg of San Jose, CA, brother, Robin Berg (Timothy Pope) of New York, NY, and many loving nieces, nephews & friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: David, Eric, and Mark Berg.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be announced at a later date. Private family burial will take place at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Gary, Indiana in the spring of 2026.
GUESTBOOK
My deepest sympathies go out to Gary's family and friends. Gary was my brother, Karl Pavlench's roommate for many years at the OE homes. These two go back a long way. I think they started out at the Kouts home which was Karl's first assigned home. I would say Gary and Karl were buddies and I do say, Gary and Karl took good care of each other. When we had Karl's birthday parties, Gary always asked how everyone was and remembered all of us. Gary was a sweet and great guy!! I'm sure the two of them are up in heaven laughing it up!! On behalf of the Pavlench Family, we extend our loving condolences to all and Gary will be missed!! God Bless Gary!! -Michelle Pavlench Brueck
