Obituary
Daniel “Danny” M. Berkos
Daniel “Danny” M. Berkos, 66, of Mauston, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 26, 2019, at Mayo Hospital in La Crosse, WI surrounded by his family. He was born on September 12, 1952 to Christy and Rita Berkos in Cicero, IL. He married Julie B. Lynch on December 1, 1984 in Mauston, WI.
Danny lived large, had a love for life that could not be matched, and believed the harder he worked the luckier he got. He could be found spending time with his golden retriever, Riley, boating on Castle Rock Lake, doing any kind of outdoor activity, and unfortunately cheering for the Chicago Bears. He loved socializing, arguing politics, and most importantly, his family. He was especially proud of his children and recent promotion to “Papa” of his grandbaby, Ainsley.
He was an experienced trial attorney who was driven by his pursuit for justice. He started his career in private practice working with former Governor Tommy Thompson, before serving as the Juneau County District Attorney for six years. In 1987 he returned to private practice and worked until Spring of 2019. He was also passionate about his service to the WI State Public Defender Board where he served as Chairman for more than 30 years. The success of his practice could largely be attributed to his legal assistant, Kelly Olson, who has been with him from the start.
Danny was an amazing husband, dad, son, brother, and father-in-law. He is survived by his loving wife, Julie; daughter, Shane (Tim) Drey; son, Eric (Bridgett) Sanford; granddaughter, Ainsley Sanford; mother, Rita Berkos; sisters, Kim (John) Kinnas and Cindy (Joel) Erickson; and his Friday night friend group. He was preceded in death by his father, Christy Berkos.
The family wishes to thank their very dear friends for all the love and support during his illness. Additionally, the family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Danny’s medical teams.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 6, 2019 from 4-8 p.m. at Meadow Valley Log Home Model,640 McEvoy St. Mauston. In lieu of flowers, please help end cancer by donating to the MD Anderson Cancer Center at gifts.mdanderson.org.
Please accept our deepest condolences. Danny will be missed by many. As they say “our loss is heavens gain”. In this case it is so true. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
With all our love,
Jim and Eileen
Sorry for your families loss. Cherious the memories.
Our deepest condolences to the family. Will keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Julie. I just heard about Danny. I am so sorry and have my deepest sympathy. Danny was a great boss and friend. Barb Hoile
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dan. He was such an upbeat and great guy to everyone that he met. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts go out to Julie and the rest of his family !
RIP, my dear friend. Our prayers are with you and your family.
To the whole Berkos family our thought and prayers are with you all as you navigate this terrible time.
We were fortunate to have worked and known Danny. Peace, love and comfort to all of his family.
My deepest, deepest, condolences to all of Dan Berkos family. I used to work at the Juneau County Clerk of Courts Office, and Dan was such a kind, gentle person! I enjoyed seeing his pleasant smile every time he would come into the office. Dan will be missed by many, for a long, long time! May God comfort Dan’s family!
Sorry for your loss.
So sorry for you loss, I always remember him such a nice person.
I knew Danny back in 1975 when I was tending bar at Harlem Avenue lounge. Great guy from a great family! My heartfelt sympathy to his family and his mom, my neighbor.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Mr. Berkos was a wonderful soul a very fine Lawyer he will be deeply missed..
Dan was an incredible attorney, an avid advocate & just a wonderful person. Words cannot express what a loss this is to the entire State of Wisconsin. His vast knowledge & diligent service will be sorely missed. Deepest condolences to his loved ones. We lost a good one – he will be missed.
Our deepest condolences to all the family. Dan was one of the GOOD GUYS, and will be missed by so many.
Always there when we needed some good advise.
Dennis and Sally Kolba
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was a joy to work with and for Danny. I will never forget how kind he was to talk to and we all enjoyed being around him. He was a great man that we looked up too…who’s smile and humor would brighten up a room.
My Condolences
The Family In in my thoughts And prayers
My deepest condolences to the entire Berkos family … I haven’t seen my extremely long time friend since his wedding reception at his families home in Cicero … I have so many great memories of Danny Don Petru and myself swimming in their pool practically every day also working with Danny at National Food Store in Lyons Illinois … Danny and the rest of our friends always had fun growing up together … I also lived next door to his Father’s brother Mickey … I will truly miss my great friend .. May he rest in peace ….. Tim Gruskovak and family ???????
Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours.
Condolences to Berkos family on the loss of Danny. Have fond memories of Danny at Woodside.
Dear Julie, I am very sorry that you lost your husband to this unforgiving illness.
Deepest sympathy to Julie, Shane, Eric, and the entire Berkos family. Danny was a great man, devoted to family and committed to improving both his community and the justice system.
I had the distinct pleasure of working with him during his long tenure as Chair of the Public Defender Board. His energy, wisdom, and compassion were exemplary, and his affinity for the Bears just a minor quirk in light of his wonderful personality.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Berkos family. I first met Dan in the early 90’s when I was working in the State Public Defenders office in Madison. He was always a joy to be around. Eric had let me know that he was ill but it is still hard to think that he has passed. He will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to Julie and the family. Danny had a great personality and was always easy to talk with; in and out of the courtroom. He was an inspiration to me and will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with Danny’s family and friends at this time. I worked alongside Danny when he was a school board member for the School District of Mauston when I was superintendent. He was a man of integrity, wit and compassion. He was a person with heart and made significant contributions to the Mauston Community. He is and will be greatly missed.
Julie and family,
Sometimes there are no words and we are so sorry we were unable to be at his celebration of life due to another commitment…..Dan was a well respected and kind person and will be missed by many. We had the opportunity to use his expertise numerous times and he was always patient, honest, and so good at explaining things. May you find comfort knowing he is now at peace and where we all want to go. Fly high Dan! With our deepest sympathy….
Denny & Carla Loging
My condolences. I was lucky to have Danny as friend and mentor. My heart is with you.
I am so sorry to hear of Dans passing. He helped me years ago with my boys and tired to help with my divorce, which in the court room my x husband drove him crazy each time. Till he finally banged his brief case and walked out. Dan was amazing to get that far, thinking about it now, I can laugh. He will be missed by all. Bless you all. Charmaine (Lassonde) Brandt