James A. Berard, age 93of Rhinelander, died Friday, June 28, 2019, at his home surrounded by family.  He was born Sept. 21, 192, in Hayward to James and Delores (Sabin) Berard.  After graduating high school, James joined the Marine Corps serving three years during WW II, where he saw front line action in such campaigns as Tarawa, Saipan, Guam and Iwo Jima.  He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded on Saipan and the Bronze Star for his outstanding conduct on Iwo Jima during the first three days of that campaign. After leaving active duty with the Marines in 1945, James was recalled into the Marines for one year during the Korean War.

He is survived by his sons, Michael of Milwaukee, Gregory (Diane Bruyette) and John of Rhinelander, Paul (Amy Townsend) of Harshaw; daughters, Denise (Richard) Weibel and Michelle Berard of Rhinelander; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; brother, Russell (Kathryn Sonby) of Silver Bay, Minn.; sister, Cheryl (Terry) Ekholm of La Crescent, Minn.; brother-in-law, Larry Hall of Schaumburg, Ill.; nieces, nephews, cousins and inlaws.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Gilbert Berard; son, James (Jimmer) Berard; granddaughter, Chasity Berard; sisters, Blanche Duehr and Barbara Hall; brother-in-Law George Duehr.
A graveside memorial service with military honors will take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 20, at the Forest Home Cemetery in Rhinelander. (Hildebrand Funeral Home)