Donald A. Berge

Donald A. Berge of Colfax, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on October 13, 1947, in Eau Claire to Alvin and Arlene Berge, Don grew up on the family dairy farm outside Colfax. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Running Valley before graduating from Colfax High School in 1965, where he excelled in football and first met the love of his life, Lana Obermueller. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Don and Lana married in July 1967 and began their life together in Cassville, where he taught high school history and served as head football coach, earning Coach of the Year honors. There they adopted their two children, Todd and Tara, and embraced parenthood with deep devotion. In 1974 the family returned to Colfax so they could be closer to relatives, and Don began a 25-year career at 3M in Menomonie, advancing to production supervisor.

A dedicated sports enthusiast and loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Milwaukee Brewers, Don rarely missed a game involving his children. He gave generously of his time to the Colfax community as a football and basketball referee, little league coach, and school board member for more than 25 years, many of them as president. Deeply faithful, he remained active in local parishes throughout his life. Don and Lana shared a love of travel that took them to every state except Delaware, yet their greatest joy was found at the family cabin on Long Lake, where they created a welcoming refuge filled with laughter, campfires, and cherished times with family and friends.

Above all, Don’s greatest passion was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence brought warmth and strength to every gathering. He is survived by his wife Lana of Colfax, children Todd (Megan) Berge of Madison and Tara Bergeson of Menomonie, grandchildren Miranda (Chris) Rykal, Sloane (Josh) Watton, Boden Bergeson, and Brynn Bergeson, and great-grandchildren Stella and Ashtyn Watton and Griffin Rykal. He is also survived by his siblings Anne Schindler, Mark Berge, Sharon Berge, Mary Berge, John Berge, Sue Buroker, and Barb Ausing, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Arlene Berge. Don courageously lived with Parkinson’s disease for more than 25 years, facing it with quiet determination.