22 SEPTEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam Doyle Alfred Berg (1943~2026) The ever-moving force of Doyle Alfred Berg, 83, of Traverse City, Michigan, came to rest too quickly on June 30, 2026. Born into a family of water well drilling contractors in 1943, he spent his life providing freshwater to a five-county region in Northern Michigan. He owned and operated six businesses in his lifetime, but Doyle was proudest of his six-generation company, Berg Well Drilling. As a member of the Michigan Ground Water Association, the company was recognized with a Special Tribute by the State of Michigan in 2020, commending them for being good stewards of our most precious natural resource. He held a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, and also attended LeTourneau and Kilgore Colleges in Texas. In his youth, Doyle was an avid competitor in sports and carried the torch into business where his greatest concern was providing a good living to all he employed. With infinite energy and gifts he gave freely to his family and community, Doyle’s impact was felt every day. The last portion of his life was shaped by a trip to Haiti which fueled a water well drilling operation, an orphanage, and churches that have now impacted thousands. Most importantly, this journey led to the adoption of his beloved daughter. His legacy of hard work and dedication will endure through his family. Doyle is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dawn; son Doyle (Beth); daughters Kimberly (Stephen) and Manise; grandchildren Doyle (Shelby), Stephen, Krystle (Martin), and Whitney (John); two great-grandchildren who are arriving in November; sister Nancy (Eddie); sister-in-law Gail (Phil); brothers-in-law Dale (Libby) and Gregory (Bethany); sister-in-law Michelle (Dean); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Rita Marguarite Wethington Kern (1931~2026) The Texas Groundwater Association was saddened to announce the passing of Board Member Dennis Kern’s mother Rita Marguarite Wethington Kern on July 9, 2026. Born in 1931, on a farm in Waterflow, New Mexico, she was the second youngest of nine children. Her childhood on the farm shaped the values that would define her - hard work, gratitude, perseverance, and faith. Each morning, she enjoyed the breathtaking view of the iconic Shiprock land formation as she made her way to Sacred Heart Church and Sacred Heart Academy, the Catholic school located just across the street from her home. An exceptional student with a lifelong love of learning, Rita graduated as valedictorian of her class at 16. Her education continued at Saint Catharine College in Springfield, Kentucky, where she studied nursing and bookkeeping. After graduating as a registered nurse, Rita returned to New Mexico in 1952, and began her nursing career at the newly established San Juan Clinic in Farmington. While visiting family in Nazareth, Texas, Rita met Walter “Bud” Kern. Their courtship soon blossomed into love, and they were married in May 1954, and settled in Nazareth, sharing nearly 59 wonderful years until his death in 2013. Working alongside Bud at Kern Plumbing and Electric, Rita kept the books, waited on customers, traveled to Amarillo and Lubbock for inventory and supplies, and handled the countless responsibilities that came with operating a small family business. Many of her sons and grandsons eventually worked alongside her, while her daughters and granddaughters often helped in the office. Her grandchildren remember visiting Grandma Rita at the office, choosing one of the ever-present lollipops she kept on hand and drawing on her whiteboard with colorful markers. She had a remarkable gift for blending work and family. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: playing Spades with family and friends, sitting at the piano, hosting family gatherings, attending dances, and celebrating every birthday, holiday, and special occasion - especially decorating for Halloween and Christmas. Rita is lovingly survived by her children Dennis (Patti), Jerry (Carol), Theresa (Long), Tom (Jennifer), Patricia (David), Jim (Elaine), Michael (Candy), Francis (Nini), and Bob (Marcia); 27 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one expected great-great-grandchild; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends. The management and staff of WWDR offer their sincere condolences to Doyle and Rita’s family and friends. Lest we forget . . .
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Mzk=