Lawrence "Larry" Berger

Lawrence (Larry) Berger, age 72, passed away on Friday, December 5th, 2025, at Comforts of Home Advanced Memory Care in Menomonie.

He was born on August 4, 1953, in Menomonie, WI, to Clarence Berger and Sidone (Schill). He grew up in Menomonie and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1971. Larry attended the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and later studied horticulture in Switzerland, Hawaii, and Oregon. While living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he completed a two-year program in Respiratory Therapy and worked in several hospitals, the last being Myrtle Werth Hospital (now Mayo) in Menomonie.

Larry began traveling at a young age, spending several years in Europe (Spain and Switzerland) before returning to the U.S., where he met his soulmate, Linda, in 1980. They were married in the Sufi tradition and traveled through life side by side, deeply united in spirit. Together, Larry and Linda lived in Hawaii, Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, and California before settling in Menomonie to care for Larry’s aging father.

A master gardener, Larry created lush and tranquil landscapes filled with a koi and goldfish pond, Vedic herbs, exotic flowers, and a geodesic-dome greenhouse. He had a deep understanding of herbology and healing and could identify even the most exotic plants from memory. He practiced Transcendental Meditation and explored the heart of world religions—finding God in life, nature, people, and especially children. He was a beloved uncle to all the children in both his family and community, who grew up listening to his stories, wandering through his gardens, enjoying his music, and laughing with him. He was a treasure of knowledge, humor, and kindness.

As part of his spiritual practice, Larry crafted clay Tsatsa (sacred statues). After many years of dedicated work, he created 1,008 Tibetan Medicine Buddhas, which he shared with those in need of healing and sent to Buddhist centers around the world. He and Linda also studied Yoga and Ayurveda in India and Nepal and were active in the Art of Living community and the Minneapolis Satsang, where they met many cherished friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Linda (Johnson); his sisters, Patricia Leach and Shirlee Eighmy; and his brother, Daniel. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends near and far. He also connected with people around the world online, sharing his unique sense of humor, spirituality, and warmth.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2026, when the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com