Richard "Dick" S. Berger
Richard (Dick) Stephan Berger, 78 years old of Menomonie, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the Colfax Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Dick was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin on August 12, 1939 to Steve and Angeline (Hoffman) Berger. He was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He grew up on a farm in rural Elk Mound, attended Pleasant Valley Elementary School, a short walk from home, and graduated from Elk Mound High School in 1957. He joined the Army in 1958 and completed his basic training at Fort Carson near Colorado Springs, Colorado. He spent much of his service time in Fairbanks, Alaska. After serving his country, Dick worked for 17 years at the Colfax Coop Creamery/Falls Dairy in Colfax. He then worked for Sanna Dairies/ConAgra Foods in Menomonie until retirement.
Dick married Gloria Jean Varpness on May 26, 1962 and settled in Red Cedar township to raise a family. They loved their home nestled in the valley. Dick was a natural born mechanic and loved all things mechanical. For him, everything was better if it had a motor on it. He enjoyed talking, socializing and entertaining family and friends. Many revered his charcoaled steaks and the tasty meals prepared together with Gloria. He loved helping people out and wanted only friendship in return. Richard and Gloria retired on the same day in 1999. They spent much of their retirement traveling around the country with their truck and fifth-wheel trailer. They escaped Wisconsin winters, spending time in Alabama and later Florida. He loved camping and the many close friendships forged during their camping years. Dick was a loving and thoughtful caregiver to his wife Gloria in their later years.
Richard is survived by his wife Gloria Berger, sons Greg Berger (Stacy Haugle) and Todd Berger (Amy DiGiovanni), grandchildren Juelia, Max, Eric and Kennedy, a brother Jim Berger (Nancy Ellis) and a sister Margaret Brunn (Greg), several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents Steve and Angeline (Hoffman) Berger.
Memorial services will be 10:30 AM Saturday May 5, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. James Kurzynski officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Elk Mound.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday at Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.