Tara Marie Berg

Our wife, mama, daughter, sister, and aunt Tara Marie Berg went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Friday, September 4th, 2026 at a little after 3:00 pm, surrounded by family and friends, after a short but extremely courageous battle with a rare cancer.

Tara Marie McKinney was born on June 17th, 1970 in Lander, WY to Tim and Rosanne McKinney. She rounded out the family, being the baby of three. She grew up in Lander, trying not to follow too closely in her ornery big brother’s footsteps. She was a ranch kid through and through, from baling hay to late-night January calving, she could do it all, even as a kid. During this time, Tara developed her solid work ethic and grit, but also her big heart and compassionate soul. She attended Lander schools, and was an avid athlete in high school, dominating both the volleyball and basketball courts. After graduating from LVHS in 1988, she moved to Laramie, WY to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. After a few very fun years at the University of Wyoming (the stories of which she never would share…), Tara returned home to Lander and the family ranch, where her entire life was spent.

Upon her return to Lander, Tara met the love of her life, Brett Berg. They married on November 30th, 1996. They stayed at the McKinney Ranch, and later welcomed their daughters Brooke in 1997, and Brittnee in 2002. Together with their dad, Tara provided the most beautiful and magical childhood for her girls. Their childhood was full of laughter, love, working cattle, and, of course, George Strait songs. She instilled in her daughters to work hard, be kind but firm, and to never quit. Her life was spent cheering on her girls. From late night marching band practices serving dinner, to league volleyball games across the state, to livestock shows across the nation, Tara could be found supporting Brooke and Brittnee in every single endeavor (and struggle…) they took on. She was the best mama any kids could ever ask for. Above all else, Tara’s joy in life was being with her family. Whether it was a road trip to Laramie for a ball game, Casper for a concert, or all the way to Phoenix for a family vacation, Tara was game. She was always the planner, making sure everyone was accounted for and included in everything we did.

Tara began her lifelong passion as a public servant to the people of Fremont County in 1995, when she started at the Fremont County Assessor’s Office. She worked hard and learned quickly under the mentorship of assessors Loraine Ocenas and Eileen Oakley. They prepared her well to run for County Assessor in 2010, when she won her first election. Tara remained faithful to the people of Fremont County in this role until she passed. She influenced many, and worked diligently with her fellow county assessors and the legislature for the good of her constituents. She was immensely proud of the work she did, and of her wonderful, loyal staff and friends.

Tara had an impact on an immeasurable number of people. Whether they were perfect strangers or lifelong friends, she was the first one to offer support and kindness. Many considered her a best friend, and a best friend she was. Tara was also considered Mom by many, whether it was a stray band kid or a straggler drug home from college. Her home and heart were open to all, and there are many kiddos out there she loved as her own. She was gentle and kind, but tougher than anyone and always the first to roll up her sleeves and get to work. Tara was a safe place to land for anyone who needed one.

Tara is survived by her husband of 29 years, Brett Berg, her daughters Brooke & Brittnee Berg and son-in-law Tanner Manselle, her parents Tim & Rosanne McKinney, brother Tim & sister-in-law Jennifer McKinney, niece Jalin McKinney, nephew Jake & his wife Lindsay McKinney, and their three children Zaylee, Everett, & Jace; As well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and all of her adopted kids she picked up along the way.

She was preceded in death by her big brother, Todd McKinney, grandparents Walter “Hink” & Anna Mae Roe, and Ed & Hilda McKinney.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you take a page out of Tara’s book and go get involved in your community. Volunteer for something, donate to your favorite cause in honor of Tara, and tell your people you love them. Take care of yourselves, drink an iced tea and listen to some George Strait. Go make the world a better place.

Services will be on Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at 3:00 pm in the Lander Valley High School field house. Immediately following will be a dinner celebration of her beautiful life at the Inn at Lander in the Gannett Room. We ask that you please wear your favorite fancy outfits, and your absolute BEST turquoise in honor of Tara, who had the best jewels!