Kerry Berget

Kerry L. (Sumo) Berget

Kerry Berget, age 63, of Neillsville, WI, formerly of Monroe, WI, died unexpectedly of an acute cardiac arrest Monday, July 22, 2024, at his residence in downtown Neillsville.

Kerry Lawrence Berget was born on December 18, 1960, in Monroe, WI, the son of Lawrence Francis and Evelyn M (Johnson) Berget Lehman. Kerry had a couple challenges in his early years, having suffered a major leg injury at age 8 while getting caught in the cattle feeding auger. He was left with a lifetime hitch in his giddy up, but he never complained. He graduated from Blackhawk High School in South Wayne, WI where he participated in Football and Wrestling. Kerry picked up and carried the nickname Sumo at some point in early adulthood and took it on as his own. When asked "What do you prefer to be called?" Kerry responded "Sumo". He was a gentle giant at 6 foot 3 inches tall. Nevertheless, an occasional stubborn streak would make itself known-this could be a plus or a minus. He worked various jobs throughout his lifetime which included driving semi-truck, until a failing heart valve prevented him from continuing long-haul trucking. Another job he had for many years was working as a farmhand. He moved to Neillsville several years ago to be near his friend and fellow trucker, Ken Wollner and family. He seemed to enjoy living in the area, and even though it was a several hour drive to Monroe, family gatherings here were always a high priority and Uncle Sumo made sure to attend. He was always interested in how his nieces and nephews were doing and never wanted to miss an opportunity to see or talk to them. His hobbies included motorcycling, demo derbies, watching Friday Night Smackdown, and the Green Bay Packers. Not to mention tinkering with anything related to motor vehicles of all kinds. Sumo could talk to you for hours about the intricacies of the inner workings of an engine and any part of the vehicle's transmission, suspension, brakes, and exhaust. Some would say of Kerry that when he made a friend, they were a friend for life. The nieces and nephews say, "We all loved Uncle Sumo."

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Isabelle (Trevor) Sherven of Madison, WI and her mother, Deanna Baumann; two brothers, Curt (Kim) Berget and Kevin (Sue Robertson) Berget; three sisters, Crystal Berget, Carmen Johnson, and Corinne (Bill) Wartenweiler; step-siblings Mary Alice Fenneken, Dale (Betty) Lehman, Steve Lehman, Jim Lehman, along with many many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews as well as fifteen first cousins and their families.

Kerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Evelyn; step-father Karl Lehman; step sister Diane Lehman; great nieces Adelyne Long, Angel Yaun, Daleaney Sue Phillips; and great nephews Austin Blum and Elijah Yaun.

There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Kerry's life at Martintown Community Church, W8996 Lena Street, Martintown, WI on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 at 11:00am. Visitation from 10:00am to time of service. Pastor Kevin Cernek will officiate.

"Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.

Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindness,

For they are from old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;

According to Your mercy remember me,

For your goodness sake, O LORD" Psalms 25:5-7

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Kerry's family with funeral arrangements.