Donald A. Berge of Colfax, age 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Colfax Senior Living. Donald (Don) was born in Eau Claire, WI on October 13, 1947, to Alvin and Arlene Berge. The family lived on a dairy farm outside of Colfax. He attended primary school in a one-room schoolhouse in Running Valley. He then attended high school in Colfax where he excelled in sports, especially football, and graduated in the class of 1965. It was in high school that Don met his everlasting love of his life, Lana Obermueller. Don went on to college at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Don and Lana married in July of 1967. He was hired as a high school history teacher in Cassville, Wisconsin where he would also be the head football coach, earning Coach of the Year for his conference. During this time, Don and Lana would adopt two children, Todd and Tara, and become two of the most loving parents. Wanting to be closer to their families, Don and Lana moved back to Colfax in 1974, and he took a job at 3M in Menomonie. There he would quickly become a production supervisor and work for over 25 years.

A sports enthusiast, Don never missed a game for his two kids and was a loyal Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. Don was an invaluable member of the local community. He was a passionate referee for both football and basketball, and coached little league for many years. He served over 25 years on the school board of the Colfax School District, many of those years as President. With faith being so important to him, he was also an active member of local parishes in the area. Don and Lana loved traveling and made it to every state with one exception, Delaware. In his rare downtime, Don's passion was spending time at the family cabin that he and Lana had on Long Lake. The couple spent countless hours making this their refuge for family and friends. Many laughs and good times were shared around the campfire. Don's greatest passion and gift was being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Family was everything, and he will be missed deeply.

Don is survived by his wife, Lana of Colfax, WI, two children, Todd (Megan) Berge of Madison, WI, and Tara Bergeson of Menomonie, WI, grandchildren, Miranda (Chris) Rykal, Sloane (Josh) Watton, Boden Bergeson and Brynn Bergeson, great-grandchildren, Stella and Ashtyn Watton and Griffin Rykal. Don is also survived by loving siblings Anne Schindler, Mark Berge, Sharon Berge, Mary Berge, John Berge, Sue Buroker and Barb Ausing, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Arlene Berge.

A Celebration of Life honoring Don will be on Monday, March 16th, visitation 1- 3 p.m., concluding with a short service at 3 p.m. officiated by Father Victor Feltes at Sampson Funeral Home, 1017 Railroad Ave, Colfax, WI. Online condolences may be shared at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please help fight the terrible disease of Parkinson's. Don courageously fought this terrible disease for over 25 years. Let's help eradicate this disease for future generations. Please go to: www.michaeljfox.org to make your donation.