Berger Laurents Enstad, age 91, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, at Lilac Assisted Living in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Bert was born on August 30, 1935, in Granite Falls, Minnesota, the son of Laurents and Idella (Anderson) Enstad.

After graduating from high school, Bert served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957. During his Army service, he spent three years stationed in Germany and one year at Fort Hood, Texas, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class (SP4/E-4). He was a Korean War veteran.

Bert continued his military service in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963, with assignments at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, as well as overseas in Morocco and France. He attained the rank of Airman Second Class (A/2C).

It was during his time in the service that Bert met Marlene at a pizza pub in Madison. Bert, from a small farm town in Minnesota, and Marlene, from an even smaller farm town in Wisconsin, proved to be a match made forever. Together they toured much of Europe and were married in France in 1962.

Bert continued his military career with the Wisconsin Air National Guard from 1974 until 1990, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant (M/SGT).

Following his military career, Bert worked for the City of Sun Prairie for 32 years, retiring in 1997. Bert and Marlene spent most of their lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, while also cherishing time spent in Florida and peaceful days at their cottage on Spring Lake. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling, including a memorable trip to Alaska and other destinations.

Bert loved the outdoors. He went on many hunting and fishing trips with family and friends. But perhaps more than anything, he enjoyed sitting beneath a shade tree with a beer in hand, listening to a ball game, watching the lake or watching the kids. Many of the things he loved have now been passed down to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His love for his Norwegian heritage was indisputable—lutefisk, lefse, Ole and Lenna jokes, and of course, the Minnesota Vikings. Maybe this is the year - Go Vikings!

The past few years truly showed how deeply Bert cared for and loved Marlene. He remained very much in love with her, looking out and caring for her as much as he could.

We were truly blessed to have Bert as our father, grandfather, great-grandfather (Papa), father-in-law, friend, and relative. Rest in peace, Dad. You did this world well. You made it a better place simply by being in it. Your love, strength, and memory will live on in all of us.

Bert’s legacy of love continues through his children, Randy Enstad; Gary (Kathy) Enstad; and Cheryl Grimes (Robert Fischer); his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren: Korey (Emily) Enstad and their children, Jackson, James, and Lennon; Kimberly (Eric) Clark and their children, Callum and Theo; Collin (Andressa) Enstad and their children, Cole, Ellie, and Lily; Seth (Makala) Enstad; Taylor Enstad; Alyssa (Tanner) Kirchberg and their children, Avery and Scottie; and Justin Grimes. 

Bert is also survived by his brother, Dennis Enstad of Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Laurents and Idella Enstad, and his siblings, Glenda, Ina, Marlys, David, Corrine, Allan.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Lilac Springs Assisted Living Center and Rainbow Community Care for their loving support and compassionate care of Bert.

Rest peacefully, Dad. Your stories, your laughter, your strength, and the love you gave your family will remain with us always. Until we meet again!

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday Sept 18, 2026 at Cress Funeral Service, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with a visitation to take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow service with full Military Honors, at Sun Prairie Memory Garden, 1147 Clarmar Dr. Sun Prairie, WI.

A luncheon and toast to Berger will be held afterward at the VFW, 349 South Walker Way, Sun Prairie, WI.

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace

Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054