Reverend Sherry Billberg

Reverend Sherry Ann (Bartz) Billberg was born on January 15, 1955 in Crookston, MN to Wallace and Hilda (Stene) Bartz. She was baptized and confirmed at First English Lutheran Church in Lockhart, MN. Sherry was very involved in 4-H, band, and life on the farm. She graduated from Ada High School in 1973 and went on to Moorhead State where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Sherry taught 4th and 5th grade in Fertile, MN for 6 years. In 1982, she went to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN where she received a Master in Divinity. Sherry was united in marriage to Greg Billberg on June 10, 1984 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ada, MN. In 1985, Sherry began her internship at Our Savior?s Lutheran Church in Park River, ND. She received her first call to Grafton Lutheran Church in Grafton, ND where she served together with Greg. In 1988, Sherry and Greg were called to Ezekiel Lutheran Church in River Falls, WI. While in River Falls, Sherry and Greg were blessed with two children, Elizabeth and Aaron. In 1996, the family moved to Wausau, WI where Sherry and Greg served Immanuel Lutheran Church from 1996 to 2005. Sherry and Greg moved to Alexandria in 2005, where she worked as an Associate to the Bishop for the Northwestern Minnesota Synod in Moorhead. Sherry began working as a new member coordinator for First Lutheran Church in February of 2006. Sherry served as an Interim Pastor at St. Paul?s Lutheran in Lowry before being called as an Associate Pastor to First Lutheran Church in 2008. Sherry was a dedicated pastor, wife, mother, and friend who found the good in everyone. Her faith, and the love of Christ were woven into every part of her life and ministry. Over the years Sherry touched the lives of many. She enjoyed visiting with people, learning their stories, offering support and encouragement. She was so grateful to serve on the staff at First Lutheran and to be able to work side by side with her husband, Greg. Throughout their life together they complemented and challenged one another, bringing strength and humor to each of their callings. She enjoyed entertaining, laughing, great music, gardening, reading and going to the lake. Her family was everything to her, and her love and legacy will live on through us all. Sherry died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 3, 2010 at her home in Alexandria. She is survived by her loving husband, Greg; daughter, Elizabeth and son, Aaron; brother, Wayne (Danita Marick) Bartz of Fargo, ND; nieces and nephews, Andy, Micah, and Abby and her family; brother-in-law, Tom (Arlene) Billberg of Roseau; nieces and nephews, Dea, Cory, Lenni, and Jerit and their families. Sherry is preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Hilda; and Greg?s parents, Ellwood and Dorothy Billberg. A funeral service was held on Monday, March 7, 2011 at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Reverend Bill Montgomery Reverend John Peshek, Pastor Laurie Natwick, and Bishop Larry Wohlrobe officiating. Music was provided by the Mass Choir directed by Mary Morken and accompanied by Pam Noetzlman; organist, Randy Morken; congas played by Craig Schlangen; Bass Guitar, John Hamilton; Guitar, Pete Pfeffer; and soloists were Paula Odland, and Peggy Larson. Interment was held in Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were Randy Johnson, Wayne Bartz, Paul Moe, Tom Billberg, Phil Klacan, Jerry Hanson, Marsh Drege, and Bill Clausen. Honorary casket bearers were Sherry?s nephews and nieces, and all the brothers and sisters in Christ who have made this journey of faith with her. . Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Building Fund, Youth and Children Ministries, or the Music Fund. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net