George K. Berton

George K. Berton, age 87, passed away on Friday, March 31st, 2023, at his home where he was surrounded by family. He was born on June 21, 1935, in Shawano to George C. Berton and Lucille (Rusch) Berton.  George K. would always remind his children his birthday is the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. On July 25,^, 1959, he married Carol Haack, who was his lifetime true love and brought him much happiness.

George served in the Army and was assigned to the Airborne Division where he completed the basic airborne course and became a paratrooper. He rose to the rank of Staff Sargent and earned the national defense service medal and parachute badge. His most significant duty assignment was as a squad leader in the Company I 137^th Airborne Replacement Training Center. He served active duty from July 1952 through July 1955 and continued his service in the Army Reserves.

George was employed at Kimberly Clark Badger Globe in Neenah for 37 years and worked in shipping and receiving for the majority of this time there.  He also was a union representative and was known for his good negotiating skills.  George enjoyed talking, but was a man of few words, choosing only to add to the conversation with significant points or witty observations.

As a child George grew to love the outdoors, fishing and hunting with his brother, Larry.

He had special relationships with each of his beloved children. He took up fly fishing then shared this talent with his son, Jeff, which taught him patience. He loved tennis and taught the game to Jill. Together they enjoyed many years on the court. His relationship with Julie was one of quiet, unspoken love that transcends spoken and written words.

At his core George was a family man. Together with his wife they raised their three children in Menasha. They enjoyed camping trips in their pop-up camper, road trips to visit family in Georgia, and being involved in all his children’s activities and sporting events like basketball, track, and tennis. George was very involved with what is now known as Youth Sports in Menasha. Once his one and only grandson, Chad, was born, he became his pride and joy. George followed him in all his sporting events and supported him in everything he did.  

George will be missed by his children: Jeff Berton, Julie (Michael) Gifford, Jill (Mike) St. Cyr, and by his grandson, Chad St. Cyr. He is further survived by his sisters: Marsha (George) Davis, Diane (Robert)  Bohm, Patty (Tony) Boulanger, and sisters-in-law: Barbara Berton and Linda Berton as well, as many other close relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death was his loving wife of 60 years, Carol L (Haack) Berton, his parents, brothers: Randall Berton, Larry Berton (Marilyn) Berton, Tom Berton, Jeffrey Berton, Peter Berton, Richard Berton, Wayne Berton, and sister Joan L. (Jim) Oberle.

The funeral liturgy for George will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, located at 516 DePere Street in Menasha, with Fr. Michael Lightner officiating.  Interment will take place in St. Margaret Cemetery.  Friends and relatives are invited to gather at the church on Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to NAMI in George’s name.

Dad “Papa”, you taught us what love truly is with your actions, and you showed us strength in so many ways. Thank you for taking such good care of your family.  We love you and we will miss you.