James S. Berger
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.