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Long Time Antigo Newspaper Publisher Passes Away

Antigo Daily Journal

Fred Berner was always first to arrive to work each morning, and on Monday(11/25/19) he was found dead at his desk, according to an article in the Antigo Daily Journal.

He had been with the newspaper since 1972 and held the position of publisher upon his mother’s death in 2011. He was the last of the Berners to lead the paper since its founding 1905.

In June of this year, the Adams Publishing Group purchased the paper, ending one of the few remaining independent papers. His most visible contribution to the paper was his weekly column, Bits and Pieces. This folksy, upbeat, and personal column focused on the people and places in and around Antigo.

Fred was planning to retire and this would have been his last week at the paper. He was 71 years old.

Fred Berner is survived by his sister, Mary Jo Berner of Eagle River.

James M. Skibo is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at Illinois State University. He is the author of five books, including two written for the general audience, Ants for Breakfast, and Bear Cave Hill. In 2021 James moved to the Madison area and is now the State Archeologist.
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