Richard “Rich” A. Berge
1957-2020
Richard “Rich” Allen Berge, 63, passed away on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020 from complications of pancreatic cancer at his home surrounded by family in Fitchburg. A celebration of life will take place on March 7 at Timberlake Village Apartments, 7425 Timber Lake Trail, Madison, WI 53719, in the clubhouse from 2-4 p.m. A memorial service will be held on June 13, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gilman with Pastor Beverly Thompson officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. The memorial service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Richard requested to be cremated. Interment at Yellow River Community Cemetery.
Rich was born on Feb. 17, 1957 in Ladysmith. He grew up in Gilman, graduated from Gilman High School and earned a bachelors degree from UW-Eau Claire. On June 28, 1987, he was united in marriage to Rita Ann Stender (Mahalko) at Paradise Shores in Holcombe. They were childhood sweethearts and Western Whirlers Square dancing partners. In most recent years Rich worked for Home Depot in Madison. He enjoyed going to amusement parks, family outings, music events and traveling in his spare time.
Richard is survived by his wife, Rita; his rescue dog, Jetta; two daughters, Stephanie (Chris) Mikkelson and Angelia Stender (Aaron Campagna); two grandchildren, Mikayla Holpin (Aaron Dundee) and Gabriella Mikkelson (Brandon Ringuette); two sisters, Carol Bolstad of Gilman and Barbara (Ken) Slowiak of Stanley; one brother, David (Jan) Berge of Thorp; nieces and nephews, Brian (Cheryl) Bolstad, Tena Bolstad, Andrea Slowiak and Charles (Jenniffer) Slowiak; and many great nieces and nephews.
Rich was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Louise; and father, Clarence.
The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice staff and Fitchburg EMT for their prompt response and assistance.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be gifted in Richard’s name to mobilemuttsrescue.org.
“We are the people our parents warned us about.” “If life gives you limes, make margaritas.” - Jimmy Buffet
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