Reid Cornell Berger, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Abbott Northwestern Hospital on Friday, September 30, 2022.
Reid was born on August 20, 1950 in St. Paul, MN to Emmert and Evelyn Berger. He attended White Bear Lake High School where he excelled in academics and athletics, having a special love for football. After graduating high school in 1968, he went on to play football at the University of North Dakota. He attended St. Mary’s College in Minneapolis and the University of Chicago to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. He worked at St. Paul Ramsey Hospital as an RT where he met his future wife, Bonnie Hennen. He went on to attend St. Cloud State where he earned a degree in Health Care Science leading to his career as a physician assistant.
Reid married the love of his life, Bonnie, on September 7, 1974 in Morris, MN. In their years together, they were blessed with two daughters, Abbey and Shanna, and 8 grandchildren. This year, they were fortunate to celebrate 48 wonderful years together. Reid’s family was his pride and joy, especially his grandchildren. They had a special love for their grampy, and he loved each of them beyond measure. Over the years, many incredible memories were made on family vacations, including camping trips out west and trips to Florida. He also loved the simple pleasure of entertaining his family and friends on the lake in Hayward – always with the smoker fired up and a vodka in hand. He was passionate about the outdoors, particularly pheasant hunting in South Dakota, fly fishing on the Brule River, deer hunting at the Brule cabin, and playing a round of golf whenever possible.
Early in their marriage, Reid and Bonnie moved to Baldwin, WI. He began his 47-year career serving the community at the Baldwin Clinic, what is now Western Wisconsin Health. His dedication to caring for others was one of his many passions. He loved his patients and colleagues as much as they loved him. They have described him as genuine, compassionate, dedicated, kind-hearted, brilliant, and a true leader. In addition to his career in healthcare, Reid joined Baldwin Fire Department in 1978 and became Fire Chief by 1982. He had a larger vision for emergency services in western Wisconsin and was the driving force behind combining three area fire departments, creating United Fire and Rescue. He was appointed district chief in 1994, a title he continued to hold at the time of his passing. In 2017, the Lifetime Achievement Award for the State of Wisconsin was presented to Reid for his dedication to fire services. In addition, he significantly contributed to the development of the Baldwin Ambulance Service, paving the way for the first responder program. Sharing his medical knowledge and expertise as a firefighter, as well as mentoring others was something he took great pride in.
Reid had a larger-than-life personality with a great sense of humor. His presence was known through his loud voice and unmistakable laugh, and he had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He genuinely wore his heart on his sleeve and dedicated his life to his family and members of the surrounding communities. The number of lives he touched is immeasurable. Everyone who knew Reid loved him, and he will be missed by all.
Survivors include his loving wife Bonnie Berger, Baldwin, his children Abbey (Weston) Arndt, Baldwin and Shanna (Zachary) Paul, Edgar, 7 grandchildren, Kingston, Kinsley, and Kennasyn Arndt and Cassius, Elliana, Evienne, and Crosby Paul, his brother Gregg Berger, Superior, sister Christie (Dave) Hickle, Saint Michael, MN, his cousin Michael Berg (Superior) and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Clayton Paul.
Visitation for Reid will be held from 4:00 -8:00 p.m. Friday, October 7, 2022 at Peace Lutheran Church, 2084 County Road N, Baldwin, WI 54002. A public funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Peace Lutheran Church, a private family visitation will take place an hour prior to the service. A private interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. The Funeral service will be livestreamed on the Church’s YouTube Page. Following the service there will be a gathering to celebrate the life of Reid at the Phoenix Grill & Event Center, 2095 10th Ave, Baldwin, WI 54002, until 5pm.
Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services of Baldwin, 1010 Newton Ave, Baldwin, WI, 54002. 715-684-3434 www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com
Emergency Services Personnel please check back for further updates as they become available for honors and staging.
We were so sad to hear of Reid’s passing. He really cared for his patients. He was into many things, the fire departments, and a huge help when we were starting to get our EMT status on the ambulance. Bonnie and Reid would go to some of the home games with the Emt’s and sometimes Reid would go on a run with us. He seemed to know just when he was needed most, and we were thankful for him. We are gonna miss him. Thank you to Bonnie and the girls for sharing him with us. Sending love and prayers to Bonnie the girls and the rest of his family
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family 🙏🏼 Reid cared for our family with his special touch and we always trusted him with our care. He was a wonderful man.
Reid saved my husband more than once, he was an icon to our family besides a friend. He went beyond expectations for people. He will remain in the hearts of all the people he touched and Baldwin will remember him for ever.
GOD bless his family for sharing such a giant of a man. Miss you Reid
Bonnie & family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God wrap his arms around you all & hold you close.
Cousin Kathy Olson
Reid was one of a kind. Thoughtful and caring. Our business and friendship was one of trust and respect. He will certainly be missed by many including me. God speed Reid. You are in the Lords hands now. Continue your hard work and protect those who love you
I loved working with Reid. He taught me so much and was brilliant with his skills and always wanted to know the answers. He was so honest when discussing results. Such a compassionate colleague. So many years of working alongside him gives me beloved memories. We were so fortunate in the medical family and the surrounding communities to be influenced by Reid.
What a Great Man. Best physician I’ve ever seen. Gods Speed Reid🙏
Peace to Bonnie and family. Reid was a great care provider. I felt confident in his care. Reid was also a wonderful person that shared his enthusiasm for life and our community. We are all better off for being part of Reid’s world. RIP Big Man!
I was very sorry to hear of Reid’s passing. My deepest sympathy to Bonnie and the entire Berger family. I worked with Reid for many years at the old Baldwin Clinic. Reid was so kind to all his patients and a very smart healthcare professional. You could learn a lot by watching and listening to Reid. Baldwin and the region was very lucky to have had Reid serve the area. He will be missed greatly.
My heart hurts for you, Bonnie, and your family! He sounds like a bigger than life man! Hold all your sweet memories close to your heart, and surround yourself with your loving family and friends!
So sorry to hear the loss of Reid. He was a great friend in high school. We played football right next to each other for years. So sorry we lost contact. I always remember his nick name. (BUFFALO) We are all better people for having him in our lives.