Obituary of Harry Norman Berg

Harry Norman “Norm” Berg passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 31st, 1939, at what was then the brand-new St. John Hospital in Tulsa, Norman was the eldest son of Herman and Laverne Berg.

Norman attended Tulsa’s Osage Elementary School, before moving on to Roosevelt Junior High, where he first discovered what became a lifelong passion for music, learning to play bass in the school orchestra. He grew up as an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church, where his faith and love for community took root. Norman graduated from Central High School, as part of the proud Class of ’57, where he was a member of the stage band and also performed in Sonny Gray’s dance band.

He continued his education at Oklahoma State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in general science. It was at OSU where Norman met the love of his life, Willa Sue, when he was playing in the band at a veterinary fraternity dance. The couple married shortly thereafter and enjoyed 61 joyful years of marriage. Together, they raised three children: Christopher, Stephen, and Gretchen.

After college, Norman first began his career teaching biology at Roosevelt and Hamilton Junior High Schools. He later went on to have a long and successful career working for his mentor, Woodrow “Woody” Wilson, at Wilson Fire Protection, dedicating 30 years to the company and rising to the role of Vice President. Norman’s faith and devotion to his church community, both at Centenary and First Methodist, were constants in his life. As an usher, a leader on numerous mission trips with the church youth group, and a member of the Hossana musical group, he embodied the spirit of service and compassion at First Methodist Church where he was a member for the majority of his adult life.

Norman enjoyed many hobbies like playing bass, his vegetable garden, fishing, home improvement projects, and collecting antique medicine bottles. He was also a chili connoisseur, crafting and sharing a chili spice, based on his father Herman’s award-winning recipe, that still has many enthusiastic customers.

But above all, Norman’s favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren—Derrick Landers, Parker Landers, Gentry Landers and Connor Berg.  There was nothing that brought him more happiness than spending time with them. And he had the great joy of being able to witness the birth of his first great-grandchild, John Ellis Landers, just two days before he passed.

Norman was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Herman and Laverne, and his sister, Linda Thomas. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue; his sons, Christopher Berg and Stephen Berg, and his daughter, Gretchen Landers; his dear son-in-law John Landers; his grandchildren; his great-grandson; his brother Alan Berg and wife Stephanie; numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family; as well as countless friends.

Norman will be remembered for his gentle heart, steadfast faith, a wry sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to family and friends. His love of life and the joy he brought to others will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation will be Friday, January 17 at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home, 3841 S. Peoria in Tulsa and the family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

A celebration of Norm’s life will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18th at First Methodist Church, 1115 S. Boulder in Tulsa

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the general fund at First Methodist Church, continuing Norm’s legacy of love and service.

Ninde Funeral & Cremation | (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com