Roberta "Berta" Jo (Shepard) Gregerson

Roberta “Berta” Jo (Shepard) Gregerson, age 53, of Cass Lake, MN, peacefully passed away at home on Monday, June 9th, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born on February 27, 1972, in Glencoe, MN, the daughter of Jolyn (Boll) and David J. Shepard.

Berta was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a good cook. She was invested in the environment and natural resources, including animals, butterflies, and regenerative farming. As a strong willed, stubborn, and independent woman, once Berta had made up her mind there was no changing it. Berta had a laugh that was infectious, often she was heard before seen. She was great with kids and loved helping people, especially those struggling or in trouble. Berta was employed for 20 years at the Cass Lake-Bena School, making a difference in so many children’s lives every day. She was an art enthusiast, with a deep passion for pottery, drawing, and writing, including publishing two books. She loved the outdoors and anything to do with outside. Berta had the gift of gab and could carry on a conversation with anyone. Above all, Berta loved her family, especially her daughters and granddaughter. Berta bravely battled cancer and never lost hope. She always put everyone else first, even at the end. Berta will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Berta won the U of MN Crookston Ag-arama “True Grit” award in 1995. This is a highly prestigious award that recognizes a student who demonstrates strong participation and encouragement to others to get involved. After college, she was hired by MN DNR to do creel clerk surveys. Also known as an angler survey-interview anglers, measure fish, count boats, and more. This was needed to help the Fisheries managers. She loved this job!

Berta is preceded in death by her dad, David; infant brother, David Lynn Shepard; and father-in-law, Richard Gregerson, Sr.

Those Berta leaves behind to forever cherish her loving memory are her loving husband, Richard Gregerson, Jr.; daughters, Eva and Emalee Gregerson, and Savannah (A.J.) Malbraaten; brothers, Brian (Janele) and Tod (Becky) Shepard; mother, Jolyn; mother-in-law, Darlene Gregerson; granddaughter, McKenna; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and other family members and friends.

Berta’s Family wishes to say a special thank you to Sanford Hospice Team, especially nurse Ellen and Chaplin Theresa, along with the Joe Lueken Cancer Center Staff. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials, they will use to help create a memorial garden; following Berta’s wishes.

A Celebration of Berta’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at her brother-in-law, Scott Gregerson’s place, where she and Richard were married; 14890 73rd Ave NW Cass Lake, MN, 56633.

Berta’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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