Bruce Berger

Bruce Berger, passed away peacefully at the age of 64 at the UW Hospital in Madison on October 9. In 2006, Bruce fought and won a battle against sarcoma, a rare type of cancer. That cancer returned with a vengeance in May. Bruce learned a lesson during his first bought with cancer and spent the last twenty years living life to the fullest with no regrets.

Bruce was an avid hunter and loved spending time at the family cabin by Big Flats. A motorcycle was part of his life for 50 years, starting with a dirt bike and moving on to a variety of Harley Davidsons. One of the things he looked forward to was trip to Tomahawk for the Fall Color run every September. He made that trip for more than 30 years, rarely missing a year. He met his wife, Beth, in Tomahawk, proposed marriage in the bedroom of their friend’s beautiful home in Tomahawk and they spent the next couple of decades making that annual “anniversary of their meeting” trip. Bruce and Beth married in Playa del Carmen Mexico on February 10, 2012.

Bruce loved playing pool and played on various leagues throughout Waukesha County for many years. He practiced for hours on his table at home and watched expert pool tournaments on YouTube for hours to “get some tips.” Bruce loved his pets and excelled at training hunting dogs. Pheasant hunting was his passion and before his death, he was training the newest pup, Hank. He enjoyed making metal art and had a bit of a MacGyver persona. He could fix anything with very few resources. During one of their motorcycle trips, Beth’s shift linkage broke on her motorcycle in the middle of nowhere. He fixed it with dental floss and eventually duct tape until the part could be replaced. He told Beth with a smile, “Try not to shift too much until we get into a town.”

Bruce is survived by his mother, Dorothy Berger, his wife Beth (nee Beckwith), sisters Sue (Jerry) Underberg, Karla (Scott) Mittlestadt and brother Kurt (Kim) Berger. He is also survived by nephews Kyle (Aubree) Berger, Kalob (Becky) Berger, Evan (Amy) Underberg and niece Haley (Paul) Frater as well as six great nieces and two great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Karl.

Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 1205 S. East Avenue, Waukesha, WI. A gathering of relatives and friends will precede the memorial service from 1:30 p.m. until time of services at the church.

The celebration of Bruce’s life will continue from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Sunset Bowl/Sporties, 333 W. Sunset Dr., Waukesha, WI

A special thanks to the outstanding staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and floor B6/6 at the UW Hospital. Their caring and understanding made Bruce’s transition process much easier. The family also appreciates the care provided by Dr. Ryan Mattison and his nurse Maria.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus, WI is assisting the family.