Storke Funeral Home Obituaries

Our dear wife and mother, Susan Smith Linne von Berg, sadly passed away on January 15, 2024, at the age of 89. Susan’s greatest passion was her family.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who put the needs of her family first.  She also had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community in Port Royal, Virginia.

Susan was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 14, 1934.  Her parents were William Ray and Catherine Miller Smith.  She was their youngest child and only daughter, having three brothers, Russell, Ray, and Dan.  Susan graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1957 with a degree in business.  In 1960, she married the love of her life, Helmut Linne von Berg, and they shared 63 years of adventure, laughter, travel, and joyous experiences with their continually expanding family.

She is survived by her husband, Helmut; her three children, Diane Linne von Berg Gawalt (John), David Linne von Berg (Donna), and Dale Linne von Berg (Kathy); her brother, Ray Smith; her nine grandchildren, Brian Gawalt (Isabelle), Eric Gawalt, David Gawalt, John Gawalt, Marie Linne von Berg, Greg Linne von Berg, Nina Linne von Berg (Mason), Laura Linne von Berg, and Kevin Linne von Berg; her two great grandchildren, Graham and Norah Gawalt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Susan was an accomplished baker and was known for the variety, quantity, and quality of her desserts and Christmas cookies, which she shared with her family and friends for decades.  She also was a crafter who enjoyed needlework, sewing, and painting.  In addition, she was a prolific cookbook collector and avid gardener.

A public memorial service will take place on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 2:00pm in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Port Royal, Virginia, with a reception to immediately follow.  A private family service and burial of her ashes will take place at a later date in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to Mary Washington Hospice.  This organization, and the dedicated and caring staff, were instrumental in making Susan’s last several months peaceful and comfortable.  Our family greatly appreciates their care and compassion.

(To make a donation, please call the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation at 540.741.1512 or give online, choosing the “Hospice Care” designation – https://www.marywashingtonhealthcare.com/foundations/donate-to-mary-washington-hospital-foundation/).