Arvid William Berger

Arvid W. Berger, age 87, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at the Neillsville Retirement Community. Arvid William Berger was born in Wisconsin Rapids on March 13, 1926. Son of Arthur R. and Elsie I. (Gehrt) Berger, Arvid attended St. John's Lutheran School and Neillsville High School. Arvid joined the Navy to serve in World War II as a radio operator for ships in the Southern Pacific area and the Philippine Islands. Upon returning from the Navy, Arvid worked in his father's store, Berger's Men's Wear, in Neillsville and soon married Marian H. Beyer on September 4, 1947.Arvid and Marian moved to West Lafayette, IN where Arvid attended Purdue University and earned Bachelor of Science and Master's Degrees in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, Arvid turned down a position with William Shockley, the co-inventor of the transistor; instead taking a position at IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY where he stayed for nearly 40 years until his retirement in 1987. Upon retirement, Arvid and Marian returned to Neillsville to the Beyer family home which Marian had lovingly restored. Arvid is survived by his four children, Bradley W. Berger of Baltimore, MD, Dr. Theodore W. (Roberta Diaz Brinton) Berger of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Stephanie L. (Michael Varisto) Berger of Martinez, CA and Steven A. (Bridget Sullivan) Berger of Louisville, CO; daughter-in-law, Susan (Kutch) Berger; seven grandchildren, Kimberly Berger, Michaela and Evan Varisto and Lauren (Chris) Roberts, Kristen, Jonathan and Chelsea Berger; and one great-grandchild, Liesl Roberts. Arvid is also survived by cousins Betty Lindner and Jana Marden and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert; his wife, Marian; and his son, Brian Berger.Arvid's children extend heartfelt appreciation to cousins Jana Marden, Betty Lindner and Robert (Rose) Knoop, nieces Carol (Roger) Krause, Helen (Richard) McFarlane, Joan (Horehled) Schlinsog, and the staff at Neillsville Retirement Community for the wonderful care and companionship they provided to Arvid over the years. Contributions in Arvid's memory may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Pine Valley in Neillsville.Funeral Services for Arvid will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2014 at the Pine Valley-Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Douglas Bjerke will officiate. Music will be provided by Virginia Karnitz, organist. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday at the Church.The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Arvid's family with funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456