DANIEL DELMAR BERGER
DANIEL DELMAR BERGER
After a full and joyful life, Daniel Delmar Berger passed away in his home Aug. 28 at the age of 87. Danny was born March 2, 1938, in Wisconsin Rapids to Julia (Swanz) Berger and Bruno Berger. He was the third of five children. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids and studied history and sociology at UW-Stevens Point, the University of Kansas and Southwestern State University in Oklahoma. He participated in President Johnson’s War on Poverty through Project Cause 1. After working as an employment counselor for a few years, he decided he “would rather work with children than unemployed adults” and earned an MA degree in counseling from UW-Oshkosh. This redirected his career into becoming a school guidance counselor for the next 30 years where he was a calm and joyful, whistling presence. He inspired many students to follow in his footsteps and reach their full potential.
Danny married the love of his life, Virginia Mae Marquardt, a farm girl from Tigerton, Oct. 16, 1962. They met working together at Oak Park Country Club in Illinois. During their early years together, Dan and Virginia lived in Lawrence (Kansas), Milwaukee, Madison, Oshkosh, Montfort and then settled in Black River Falls, WI, where he was the middle school guidance counselor until his retirement in 2000.
Danny had a wonderful sense of humor and many passions, including downhill skiing, reading books, listening to music, singing, gardening, taking long walks, camping, canoeing and progressive politics. He had a strong connection with nature, the natural world and an inspiring love of winter. He learned to downhill ski in his 30s and continued skiing into his 80s. He shared his passion and taught all of his children to ski. During his last few months, he said, “I would love to go down the hill one last time.”
Dan and Virginia enjoyed traveling after retirement to 26 countries. Some highlights include a visit with children in Tibet, the intricate architecture in St. Petersburg, Russia and the majestic mountains of Chile with the hospitality of his brother, Armin, and his wife, Gwen, who lived there.
Danny loved singing in the Pine Tones choir for over 20 years, and he sang often at home and in the car. He also enjoyed watching the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. During his illness over the last year, he especially enjoyed watching the winning seasons of the Brewers.
Some advice he shared was to explore as much as you are able, love others, extend yourself and make friends.
Danny is survived by his loving wife, Virginia; his six children, Bert (Kathy) Berger, James Berger, Monie (Ian) Shackleford, Amanda Jamae, Julia (Eddy) Kempkey and Martha Leah; his 11 grandchildren, Andrew Berger, Alex (Katie) Berger, Adam (Allie) Berger, Jasmine Shackleford, Linnaea Shackleford, Violet Cunningham, Penelope Cunningham, Julius Murray, Rosalind Kempkey, Everett Kempkey and Aiden Delk; and his great-grandchild, Elodie Berger. Danny is also survived by his brothers, Armin and Jerome Berger. Survivors also include his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Don Carlson, Carol Miller, Michael (Eveline) Marquardt, Mary Alice Power, Thomas Patrick (Barb) Marquardt and Eileen (Jim) Smit; as well as many beloved nephews and nieces.
Danny was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Carol Betley and Rachel Carlson; his brothers-in-law, Steve Betley, James Power, Otto Marquardt and Bernie Marquardt; and his sisters-in-law Ingrid Berger, Gwen Berger, Trudy Marquardt and Rosemary Marquardt.
The family thanks the great friends and neighbors who helped during Dan’s illness and also the wonderful people and services of St. Croix Hospice.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on October 4th at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls followed by a Celebration of Life at the Skyline Golf Club’s restaurant at 12 p.m.