Fritz Berger Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at Marshfield
Medical Center of complications following surgery.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 5866 Main Street in Auburndale, WI on Monday, February 21, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Murali Anand Rayappan officiating. Military rites will be conducted after the service by American Legion Post No. 54. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home, 1010 East Veterans Parkway, Marshfield, on Sunday, February 20, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and also one hour before the time of service at the church on Monday.
Fritz was born at home on January 5, 1932, in Cross Plains to Fritz Sr. & Louise (Urben) Berger. He moved with his family to Milladore in 1945, where he attended Auburndale Schools, graduating in 1950. After serving his country in Korea, on August 25, 1954, he married Jeanette Hartl, who survives.
Fritz was always proud of his Swiss heritage. Early in life, Fritz learned to play the accordion and for years was part of a family orchestra, Alpine Troubadours, with his brothers and dad, where they specialized in Swiss and German folk music. Later, he played with Wally Ives Orchestra, Junior’s Green Valley Dutchmen, Don Frodl and his own polka band, Powerhouse 4, along with his son, Randy.
Fritz owned and operated Berger’s Super Service in Milladore from 1954 - 1970, then Auburndale Oil Company with his wife until his retirement in 1999. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and numerous mechanical and construction projects with his family. There were very few projects he wasn’t willing to tackle, including restoring a 1950 John Deere B tractor, and a 1930 Model A coupe. He was always generous with sharing his knowledge and skills.
In addition to his wife, Fritz is survived by his children: Cindy (Tom) Marti, Connie (Paul) Teska, Randy (Kim) Berger, and Vicki (Rob) Wiskerchen. Grandchildren: Nick (Ashley) Marti, Jordan (Julia) Marti, Luke (Becca) Marti; Eric (Jen) Teska, Katy (Chris) Higley, Amy (Chase) Biederman; Matt Berger, Reba (fiancee Tyler Robida), Phil Berger; Olivia Wiskerchen, Molly (Luke) Stoflet, Bobby Wiskerchen, and 14 great-grandchildren Amelia, Ruby, Hugo, Bart, Stanley, David, Nora, Elsie,Taylor, Logan, Macy, Ivan, Bentley and Eden. He is further survived by sisters-in-law Dorothy Berger and Clara Hartl.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Leonard and Catherine Hartl, brothers and sisters-in-law: Walter (Vivian), Werner, Albert (Agnes) and Chuck. Brothers-in-law: Ray (Joanne) Hartl and Roger Hartl and infant grandson Bradley Fritz Berger.
We all have many fond memories and stories about Dad. His expressions and colorful language made him one of a kind and we were blessed to have him. Next time you hear a polka, think of Dad smiling down from heaven on all of us.
We would like to thank the staff at Marshfield Medical Center Heart Failure Clinic, ICU and Palliative Care for their compassionate care of Dad and our whole family.
For your convenience, online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com.
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