Charles William "Bill" Berge

Charles William ?Bill? Berge, 72, of Newton, Utah passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, February 9th. He was born at home February 16, 1932 in Coalinga, CA to William Hans and Lucille Provost Berge. He grew up in California and Bahia, Brazil where his father worked as an oil drilling supervisor. He received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in Geology from BYU and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in Geology and Oceanography. He was a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy where he served as an aviator, and was honored to serve the country that he loved. Bill married Ilda Marie Benson in the Salt Lake Temple in June of 1957. They are the parents of five children. Bill was a geologist, educator, geothermal energy pioneer, and technology transfer specialist. His professional pursuits allowed him to travel extensively, influence energy policy, and touch many lives. After living in many places Bill and Ilda settled in Newton where he enjoyed serving on the Newton Town Council. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in many capacities. From 2001 to 2003, he and his wife served in the Brazil, Salvador mission. He loved being a missionary and he loved the peoples of South America. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, skiing, sports, photography, and the outdoors. He was an exceptional baseball player. He was a prolific reader and lifelong learner. He is survived by his wife, Ilda of Newton; his children: Heidi and Jim Hodgson of Newton, William and Chifumy Berge of Murray, Erik and Tara Berge of Bountiful, Hans and Jocelyn Berge of Seattle, Britta Berge of Newton; his brother Dale and Gerri Berge of Provo; and 11 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2005, at the Newton LDS chapel in Newton, 100 South 100 West. Friends may call Friday evening from 6 p.m.to 8 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main in Smithfield and Saturday at 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the church in Newton. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .