Local veteran honored for turning 100

By Lori Johnson

PIGEON FALLS - There were programs galore in local schools, around this past Veteran’s Day, all eager to show area veterans how much their service has been appreciated. So it only seemed fitting that this was the perfect time to find out more about a local World War II veteran.

Norman Berget, 100 year old veteran, formerly from Hixton and now a resident of Country Ridge Apartments at Trempealeau County Health Center in Pigeon Falls, shared some of his life‘s memories.

Norman came from a large family. He was the 10th child of Mikel and Martha Berget. Mikel came to America first and earned money to send for Martha and their oldest child, Olena. The family grew to four brothers (one brother Olaf, died two years before Norman was born) and five sisters. The family lived on Pierce Road in the Town of Curran. Sadly, his mom passed away when Norman was eight.

With such a big family there was always something to do and Norman was kept busy with chores, and carrying wood and water in after coming home from the Burton School which he attended until 8th grade. But growing up during those times had a lot of positives. Said Norman, “You knew your neighbors back then, you got along with them, you helped each other when needed, and you visited with them. His first car was a 1928 Model A that he purchased in Taylor in 1937.

Like many young men at the time, Norman answered the call from his “Greetings from the President of the United States” letter. It was in 1942 that Norman, at the age of 23, joined the Army and completed training in the states before his Army transportation unit was sent to the European Theater. His unit thought they were headed for the North Africa campaign, because of being trained in desert operations but instead, they found themselves in England. Norman spent 25 months in London as a quartermaster attached to the 8th Air Force.

“I don‘t think there was any part of London I wasn‘t at,” Norman says about his duties of driving ammunitions to various parts of the city. He drove three different trucks, putting 35 - 40 thousand miles on each. He also remembers his unit preparing 36 hours straight for “something big” (which turned out to be the Allied invasion of France), then moving into France and eventually into Germany. That was dicey as he had to haul supplies within two miles of the front lines--with conveys that could become the targets of enemy fire. On December 6, 1945, Norman received his Honorable Discharge - He was one of the lucky ones! It was time to come home!

It was good to be back on the farm. Life was good and soon, it would become even better! One evening at a dance in 1947, a petite young lady named Myrtle Linberg caught his eye. Anyone who saw them dance knew they were a match! Norman’s daughter, Genell, remembers, “They did all the old time dances and they were a joy to watch. Dad was extremely light on his feet as were his brothers and sisters.” The Bergets’ love of dancing brought them together and continued through the years. They married in 1948, raised their daughter, watched their granddaughters and great grandchildren grow, and quietly lived their life. The couple had many friends and were very active in their church and community. Volunteering was a way of life for them. “If something needed to be done, they just did it. No fanfare, it was just the way they were! commented granddaughter Emma Karls. The last dance came when Norman lost the love of his life -- Myrtle passed away in 2017.

In 2008, Norman was chosen to be among the first 113 veterans who were on the first Wisconsin Honor Flight to the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, sponsored by the Freedom Honor Flight. He was nominated by his daughter and the experience was extremely memorable for him. The one day, all expense paid, trip included the WWII memorial, the Korean and Vietnam Memorials and the Iwo Jima Monument. Honored and thrilled to be able to go, “It was simply unbelievable, and I will never forget it. Norman recalled. Even though it was so many years ago that we served, everyone was excited that we were there and treated us so well! The veterans all came home with a smile on their faces, remembers Genell.

In fact, Norman was so impressed with the flight, that during his 100th birthday celebration this past July, he asked that in lieu of gifts, that the over 200 or so guests who attended make a donation to the Freedom Honor Flight.

Also at the party, during an interview with WEAU-TV out of Eau Claire, Norman showed part of the reason he has lived a full life--his sense of humor. “I quit smoking the year I got married! Couldn’t afford a wife and smoking both so I quit the cigarettes!” The way he smiled when he said it, he obviously thought he made a good decision on his choice!

Norman leads a quieter life now, but he still keeps busy. He enjoys visits with family and friends, and gardening. His family sees that he goes on outings - recently he followed his tradition of many years and attended the annual Freedom Honor Flight breakfast on Veteran’s Day. By the smile that lights up his face like sunshine, you can tell he loves life!

If there was any advice he could give the young people of today, so they can also lead a long and happy life, it would be to “Live a clean life, keep moving and keep busy!

And there is one thing we all can say to Norman and all the rest of the veterans who have served their country with pride and honor.

“Thank you for your service!”

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