Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #266 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., June 13, 2025, in honor of former Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard, who passed away on Mon., Jan 27, 2025, at the age of 87.

“Former Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Berard led a proud life of service, dedicating over four decades of his life to the Wisconsin National Guard, protecting the values and freedoms that we hold dear, and achieving many accolades along the way thanks to his steadfast commitment to serving our state and nation,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I are sending our deepest condolences to Maj. Gen. Berard’s family, friends, and colleagues as they honor his life of dedicated and decorated service.”

Born in Hayward, Maj. Gen. Berard led an accomplished career in the Wisconsin National Guard for over four decades, including serving as adjutant general from 1996 to 1997. A graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and later attending the Naval Post Graduate School, Maj. Gen. Berard earned several accolades and awards throughout his honorable service, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Silver de Fleury Medal, and three Meritorious Service Medals. In addition to his service in the Guard, Maj. Gen. Berard worked at Telemark and Historyland for 26 years, managed the Lumberjack World Championships for two decades, and in 1978, he received the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Paul Bacon Award for his contributions to ski race organizing.

Services for former Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard will take place on Fri., June 13, 2025, in Hayward and at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

Executive Order #266 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Fri., June 13, 2025.