A life dedicated to people in need

When Thomas Berg changed his career direction and employers, it was with an eye toward helping the needy.

Berg, who either volunteered or worked for a variety of nonprofits, foundations and his own consulting firm, died April 6 of acute myelogenous leukemia at his Minneapolis home.

He was 62.

After graduating from Minneapolis' Patrick Henry High School, he attended the U.S. Air Force Academy for about a year. In 1970, he earned a bachelor's degree in social work at the University of Minnesota.

After college, he played leadership roles in Minneapolis organizations such as North Side Settlement Services, Teen Age Medical Service and The Bridge for Runaway Youth.

In the 1980s and 1990s, he served at the Minneapolis Foundation, the McKnight Foundation and the Dayton Hudson Foundation.

He left Minneapolis to run the United Way in Cascade County, Mont., from 1995 to 1998, returning to Minneapolis to be a consultant.

"He could size things up and help a wide range of organizations," said Schoener. "He was very good at keeping everyone's eye on the ball."

Patricia Cummings of Minneapolis, retired executive director of the Phillips Family Foundation, said he was "entertaining" and he had "wonderful energy."

"He really understood what it meant to work collaboratively," said Cummings.

Berg played leadership roles in nearly 20 community agencies, such as the Girls Clubs of America, National Association of People with AIDS and the American Swedish Institute.

Berg, an animal lover and horseman who once competed in the saddle of thoroughbred jumpers, noticed how difficult it was for his disabled friends to get their service animals to a veterinarian.

"He set a great example for the rest of us about following our dreams," said Cummings.

At his death, he owned two cats and two dogs, one a retired guide dog.

In addition to his wife of 12 years, Sheryl O'Connor, he is survived by his son, Zachary Paul of Minneapolis, and brothers, Jerry of Winter Haven, Fla., and Terry of Maple Grove.