Michael W. Berard, avid outdoorsman, philanthropist, and father, was called to his final resting place after a lengthy battle with illness April 11, 2022.

Michael was born Oct. 23, 1949, to James and Delores (Gilbert) Berard in Rhinelander (Pine Lake), where he lived and attended school. Michael had success on the wrestling mat during his years at RHS, where he lettered in the sport. He was known for his tenacity and toughness in athletic competition.

Michael enlisted to serve his country in Vietnam in 1969, where he would go on to serve two tours despite being wounded and allowed to return home early. The Vietnam conflict was where he met his best and lifelong friend, Michael Teglia.

Upon his return, Michael met and married his wife, Wanda “Louie” McDonald, and the couple had two daughters, Carie, born in 1975, and Amanda, born in 1983.

Michael’s professional career was spent in highway construction and in asphalt/concrete mixing. He spent years employed with Concrete Products in Rhinelander before moving to Milwaukee to work in quarries, and later to Minnesota to perform the same work. Michael loved being outdoors for work and leisure, where his hobbies of hunting and fishing occupied his time when not at work or with family. Michael traveled to the Gulf States frequently for fishing expeditions and was an avid marksman in just about every hunting season that was offered.

After his retirement, Michael lived at the veteran’s home in King, where he established many friendships and gave back generously to those that had also served their country in the military. Aside from frequent monetary donations, every week Michael would buy donuts for the entire complex, and often helped individuals with small monthly allowances by giving them $1 coins to use during bingo games in hopes of increasing the stakes and cash payouts. During the COVID pandemic, Michael would often purchase the entire snack cart and hand out its’ contents free of charge, just so the owner of the cart could stay in business. Michael would also extend his kindness to the common areas of the residential complex by supplying music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, so that other veterans could reflect on the music from their younger years. His generosity was truly felt and appreciated by many, as his reverence for those that had served in the military ran deep.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, James and Delores (Gilbert) Berard; and one brother, James “Jimmer” Berard.

He is survived by his two daughters, Carie (Lucas Baker), and Amanda (Jonathan Schulz); grandson Malik Berard of Milwaukee; and great-granddaughter Mackenzie Berard, also of Milwaukee.

He is survived by his remaining siblings, Greg (Diane) Berard, Denise (Dick Weibel), John Berard, Paul (Amy) Berard, and Michelle Berard; as well as a host of loving nieces and nephews.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the activities department at the veteran’s home in King, Wisc., as he would have wanted the other veterans living at King to still be able to participate in activities and receive treats long after he is gone.

A memorial service and military sendoff are scheduled for Friday, June 24. Time has yet to be determined. There will be a celebration of life after the service at Pat’s Tavern and Grill in downtown Rhinelander.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com