Douglas Richard Berg

OBITUARY

Doug, 58, passed away with his family at his side during the early morning hours of October 9, 2025. Born Douglas Richard Berg, he was the second child of Darrell and Patricia (Neu) Berg. Natives of Carroll County, Iowa, Darrell and Patricia followed family to California in the 1950’s in search of new beginnings on the west coast. Leaving their family farms, they found a new home in the Valley of Heart’s Delight. Settling in San Jose, his brother Jeff was born in 1965, followed quickly by Doug. He was born at Good Samaritan Hospital and baptized at the Church of the Ascension in west San Jose. His Godparents are Richard Wuebker & Peggy Hulsing (Stovall).

Doug absolutely loved being a part of a large, extended family spread across two states. He was the youngest of 32 first cousins (Neu’s) and third youngest of 14 first cousins (Berg’s). Growing up within the neighborhood intersections of Cambrian Park, Campbell and Willow Glen, Doug was a product of a special place and moment in time. He was a student of Bagby Elementary School, St. Christopher Catholic School, and Del Mar High School (’85). The friendships he developed during those decades carried him though life’s ups and downs. They are still with him today. He was happiest through the years hosting family and friends to BBQ, swim and watch sporting events.

Doug enjoyed sports and was an athlete himself. He spent his youth playing in ‘PAL’ soccer and little league/high school baseball. He was a life-long Oakland Athletics fan and enjoyed attending many games. He was a skilled golfer playing on courses all around the country. His family had season tickets to the San Jose Sharks for 18 years and he eventually played hockey in the beloved ‘beer leagues’ where he got to experience the joy of playing alongside his son Cory. Cory also had the joy of refereeing his dad’s late-night games!

Doug loved animals and was also an avid outdoorsman. His dogs Beau, Ollie, Buster & Bailey brought much joy to his life. He, Jeff, and friends spent their summers backpacking and fishing in the High Sierra. Winter skiing was eagerly anticipated. Later in life he fished the big waters of Alaska and God smiled upon him. He was a prolific gardener producing tomatoes, onions, chilis and potatoes summer after summer.

Doug was a self-starter and had several careers throughout his life. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began in real estate early eventually gaining his Broker’s license. He then spent many years as an estimator at his uncle’s and cousin’s paving and grading businesses. He and wife Jamie eventually founded a precision machining business in Santa Clara which they recently sold. Doug and Jamie loved travelling and were blessed to have gone many places from the Pacific Northwest to the warmer climes of Hawaii, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Doug was very charitable and gave to many organizations during his lifetime. He supported veteran’s causes and was a proud American. He never missed an opportunity to pay for a service member or first-responder’s meal. Never. His friendship with high school buddy Kirk Alkire led to securing land for a base camp at Gold Star Peak, Alaska, a place of healing for thousands of families. The Foundation’s financial support has provided scholarships for the children of American military members killed during their service (‘Gold Stars’). Doug would appreciate being remembered for these impactful contributions.

Doug was a loyal and devoted friend to many. He felt the loss of those he loved deeply, especially his godmother Peggy and his uncle LaVern. The loss of Dennis Sousa, Jr. affected him profoundly.

Final Resting Place

Doug ‘flat-lined’ after heart surgery in 2021. During that brief time, Doug said that he saw Jesus carrying him up the hill to Holy Angels cemetery in Roselle, Iowa. Jesus looked upon him and said, ‘Not Yet’ and he woke up. This is where Doug wants his earthly remains buried, near his godmother, and amongst the family lineage that he was a proud part of.

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He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jamie, son Cory Joseph Berg, 33 (Colorado), brother Jeff and wife Carol, nephews Adam & Jason, and parents Darrell & Patricia all from San Jose, California.

*** Rest In Peace ***

Family and friends are invited to a funeral mass at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 2278 Booksin Avenue, San Jose on Saturday, November 1st at 1:30PM. A reception will follow immediately afterwards.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Doug, please consider making a donation to Gold Star Peak, Inc. in Chugiak, Alaska. (www.goldstarpeak.org)

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