Gary Berg graduated from Menomonie High School fifty years ago and just attended his 50th class reunion this summer. It was a perfect time for him to recall memories of his high school years.
First of all, I asked Gary which teachers were most memorable. “My favorite teachers were mostly my English and Journalism teachers—Mrs. Barb McFarland, Mr. Steve Schrantz, and Mrs. Mary Schlosser.” Gary also had two other teachers that he recalls—Bud Karis (“an excellent Chemistry teacher”) and Pete Noreen (“a great Industrial Arts teacher”).
But the memories that stand out most for Gary are spending time in and out of school with a lot of very good people who were his fellow classmates.
“Football games, certain songs and artists, school dances all bring back fond memories.”
After graduating from MHS, Gary attended UW-EC where he majored in English and minored in Psychology and Coaching. “I was very active as a student in the residence halls as an RA, Hall Council member, front desk worker, etc.”
But one of Gary’s most long-lasting accomplishments was being one of the originators of the Bridgman Hall Kazoo band 49 years ago. In fact, this will be the 49th year that the Bridgman Hall Kazoo Band will march in UW-Eau Claire’s Homecoming parade on October 4th. In honor of the Centennial Homecoming celebration for the university, members of past kazoo bands are making sure their voices — through the buzzing timbre of kazoos — are being heard. (To spread the word about the 100th Homecoming and the 49th year of the Bridgman Hall Kazoo Band, Gary helped organize a special event where past members gathered, along with some new recruits, at the Minnesota State Fair where they marched in one of the daily parades and brought their special kind of fun to those along the parade route).
Gary went on to note that, “I had a GREAT experience at UWEC!”
Following graduation he went on to Graduate School and received his M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Truman State University in Missouri. He worked as a college administrator for the next decade and ended that career path in the position of Director of Planning and Assistant to the President at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN.
Gary left higher education the summer of 1989 to start a new company that has grown to be the largest entertainment agency in the Midwest and one of the largest in the country. GL Berg Entertainment/Elan Speakers represents over 400 professional performers and contract shows for corporations, fairs and festivals, theaters and performing arts centers, and many cruise ships. The company—which has offices on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis—represents musicians, dancers, variety artists, hypnotists, casino nights and much more—booking over 5,000 shows a year all over the world.
“I have always loved participating in and following sports and entertainment which makes my job so enjoyable. I love it when people gather and have positive, shared experiences.”
“Over the years I’ve coached basketball at the travel, AAU, and high school levels. I had a very popular book—Entertainers That Work!—win a number of awards as well as having been sold in all fifty states and seven countries. I’ve served on several boards of directors and am currently the President of the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association Board. In addition, I’ve been a professional speaker in 35 states from coast to coast.”
Gary loves to travel, loves the PACKERS, and loves staying busy, having fun, and not wasting any days “as I know they are limited for us all.”
“My wife, Judy, and I (who live in Maple Grove, MN) are coming up on our 43rd wedding anniversary. We have one son, Nate, who graduated from the University of Minnesota and will be taking over as CEO of GL Berg Entertainment in 2026 as I dial it back and give up that title in exchange for being founder. I am extremely fortunate.”
When I asked if there was anything else he’d like to add, Gary replied, “Menomonie was a great place to grow up. My mom and dad (Lloyd and Eileen Berg) were loving and supportive, as were my four sisters.” (Author’s Note: I am one of Gary’s four wonderful sisters)!
“Growing up, we lived right next to the UW-Stout campus until I was in fourth grade so I was able to take full advantage of all Stout had to offer with facilities, teams to cheer for, music/concerts, political and other speakers and so much more.”
Judy Foust is a retired longtime 7th Grade Reading Specialist at Menomonie Middle School. To submit info to her or to request an interview she may be contacted at [email protected]