James Stephen Berger
April 4, 1943 – October 24, 2025

James Stephen Berger, 82, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, at his woodland home in Elk Mound, surrounded by his family and beloved pets.

Born in Elk Mound, Wisconsin, on April 4, 1943, James graduated from Elk Mound High School in 1961 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology from the University of Wisconsin–Stout in 1965. On April 16, 1966, he married the love of his life, Nancy C. Ellis. Just three months later, the couple moved to Fond du Lac, where they began their family and James started his lifelong career at Moraine Park Technical College. There, he taught in the Engine Testing Technology program for 34 years, sharing his deep mechanical knowledge and passion for engines with generations of students.

After retiring, James and Nancy returned to Elk Mound to build their dream home on the family farm. Their “empty nest” was soon filled again—this time with cherished four-legged companions. James found joy and peace in his property, caring for the land, the woods, and the animals that made it home. He was deeply proud of his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, and of the many students whose paths he had the privilege to influence.

James is survived by his sons Jeffrey (Kristine) Berger, Darren Berger, and Blair (Jennifer) Berger; and grandchildren Kasey and Jarod (Eliza) Berger, Emily and Benjamin Berger, and Blake, Ethan, and Aaron Berger and sister, Margaret (Greg) Brunn.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy (Ellis) Berger; parents Stephen and Angeline (Hoffman) Berger; brother Dick, sister-in-law, Gloria Berger; brother-in-law, John Ellis; and granddaughter Sarah Berger.

Jim’s family is deeply grateful to the wonderful team at Dove Healthcare. Your kindness, patience, and gentle care meant more to them than words can say.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, at Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie, with a service beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Friends of the Red Cedar Trail and Hoffman Hills.

Condolences

1. Dan Karrels November 10, 2025, at 8:52am

   Jim leaves behind a huge legacy in the dozens of Engine Technicians that he shared his passion for engines with throughout the 70's, 80's & 90's. He once accidentally lit his hair on fire, a funny story that some of us still tell to this day. He was incredibly intelligent. We joked that he could walk through walls- one minute you see him and the next minute he was gone. His stories were thoroughly entertaining, even though we knew some of them were embellished, with tales growing taller down the line. We learned so much from him about engines, mechanical things, and sometimes life. RIP Mr. Berger.

2. Dennis Hill November 7, 2025, at 12:13pm

   Jim was the ‘GUY’ to see when you needed information regarding how to fix an engine!! Plus, he was always willing to offer his help to get the job done. With his pipe in one hand and a wrench in the other, he would stick to it until it was fixed. We shared a love of the Northwoods and spent memorable moments snowmobiling the trails around Manitowish Waters in Vilas County. Enjoy breaking new trails in the real up North Jim.

3. Daniel Buretta November 7, 2025, at 10:52am

   I met Jim when we were at UW Stout. As it turned out, we both spent our teaching years at MPTC, which was FDL Vocational School when we started. Always a friend, we did a few projects together, like building another friends garage and roofing Jim’s house.
   My sympathies to his family.
   Daniel Buretta

4. Steve and Marlene Hanke November 6, 2025, at 12:59pm

   Jim and Nancy were great neighbors in Fond du lac, we watch their boys grow up, and special music by Blair, I think it was the tuba!!!

5. Allen Schmitz November 6, 2025, at 8:03am

   Sorry to here about Jim's passing.
   I think of him quite often.
   Both me and my son graduated from his program at MPTC and went on to wonderful careers in Engines Engineering and Service,
   His family should be very proud of him.

6. Annette Brumbaugh November 5, 2025, at 6:51am

   Love and sympathy to our family.

7. Keith Young November 5, 2025, at 6:11am

   I was sorry to hear that Jim has passed. I will miss stopping over to see him. He was always full of stories about growing up on the family farm, the history of the land and the small portion of it that my house now sits on. It was a privilege to have known him!

8. Emanoel Araujo Bez November 5, 2025, at 2:00am

   I offer my deepest condolences for the soul of Mr. James S. Berger. May his family find comfort in God's love during this time of mourning.

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