Elaine M. Berger

Elaine M. Berger, age 67 of Durand, died Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at her home in Durand.
Elaine was born on April 2, 1948 to Anton and Lucian (Radle) Bauer. She was the first child of 11 and took on a nurturing role at a young age. Elaine attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Lima and was the last graduating class in 1966. After high school, Elaine attended Chippewa Valley Technical College in Menomonie for nursing. Over the years, Elaine held various jobs in the area. Elaine met her life partner, William “Willy” Berger. Together they enjoyed farming in the Lima Township. They also took many daily rides to go see friends. William passed away in December of 1991. Elaine sold Avon Makeup for 25 years. In 1995, Elaine started driving bus for the Durand School District and to her final day, she had and cherished her Lima route.
Elaine enjoyed her flowers, the animals on the farm especially her donkeys, Willy and Skeeter. She was everyone’s second mother, she was nurturing, compassionate and caring for everyone. In the Durand area most everyone rode on Elaine’s bus, whether it was sporting events or life celebrations. Most of all, Elaine loved spending time with family and friends.
Elaine is survived by mother; Lucian Bauer of Durand, six sisters; Janet (Tim) Goss of Ooltewah, TN, Deb (Lonnie) Richardson of Arkansaw, Sue (Tom) Arkansaw, Mary (Doug) Sinz, Jackie (Don) Danzinger, both of Durand, and Annie (fiancé Brad Bauer) Konsela of Arkansaw, three brothers; Mike (Audrey) Bauer of Eleva, Gerald Bauer of Durand and Tony (Diane) Bauer of Eau Claire, nine stepchildren; Rick Berger, Ron (Kathy) Berger, Greg (Christy) Berger, Doug Berger, Lori Snapp, Sharon Berger, Karen (Bob) Berger and Bill (Kristen) Berger, all of Durand, Milly (Karl) Goethel, of La Crosse, 30 nieces and nephews, 33 great nieces and nephews, many step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her father; Anton, husband; Willy, one sister; Darlene Bauer and one nephew; Scott Bauer.
Funeral Mass was held at 11:30 AM Monday, December 21, 2015 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima in Durand with Rev. Lawrence Berger officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Visitation was held from 4-8PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.