Berger Jostad, 1933–2025

Berger Jostad ’57 was born June 28, 1933, in Madison, Wisconsin, and passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Valencia, California, at the age of 91. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, J’Neane, who passed in 2020. They were married in 1953 and shared a life full of love, family, and adventure.

Nels Berger Jostad was the son of Norwegian immigrants, Nils Johannas Jaastad and Ida Synneva (Landsnes). While his parents spoke Norwegian in the home, he and his sister Grace Synneva Raube were only taught English as his parents very much wanted their children to be American.

As a kid, he rode his bike around the capitol building and played in the lakes of Madison, followed the news, and tracked the maps of WWII, developing a lifelong interest in world affairs. He worked at an urban nursery where he met Stanley (Pinky) McKiernan who would be his friend through all his days.

At 16, he left school and lied about his age to join the Air National Guard during the Korean War. He started his stateside service working as a mechanic on jet engines and was quickly promoted to Sargent adeptly leading his team of mechanics. Following his service, he obtained his GED and moved to California to get a job in the burgeoning aircraft industry at age 19. Before he left, he met a girl from Iowa who was in Madison for a football game with her friends. The story goes that he was working at a bar, maybe as a doorman, and met J’Neane Carol Vandenberg who arrived with her friends. They apparently hit it off as they never made it to the football game.

Berger and J’Neane were married in Pasadena, California, on March 9, 1953. They returned to Madison so he could attend the University of Wisconsin on the GI bill, and it was there that they welcomed their first child, Stacey Anne. After Berger graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, the family returned to the warmth and opportunity of California, this time with best friend Pinky and his new bride, Sally. The young family settled in Montrose and later La Crescenta where their family grew, adding Siri Kay.

Berger worked for a contractor who encouraged him to get licensed himself, which launched his entrepreneurial journey, opening his own business, Viking Land Clearing (later Viking Demolition) with co-worker Mike Tredick. Berger and Mike officially started the business in June 1965 which continues on successfully today, managed by the next generation.

As the business blossomed so did the family, welcoming Kristin Clarie and Erika Mai, necessitating a move to accommodate the family of six. They settled in Valencia where Berger lived for the past 56 years.

Berger was an avid reader consuming multiple newspapers daily and many books. He was curious and a learner his whole life, qualities he passed on to his children. He was a prolific gardener with a yard in bloom year-round. He loved exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains where he and J’Neane’s ashes will end their journey. He enjoyed family gatherings and watching his children’s families grow. He was also a prominent leader in the National Demolition Association, where he played a significant role in leading the organization and providing scholarship opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.

Berger will be remembered for his intelligence and sometimes larger-than-life presence, for his strong work ethic, and love for his family. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Berger is survived by his four daughters: Stacey Jostad of Fair Oaks, CA; Siri Jostad of San Diego, CA; Kristin Jostad of Lynnwood, WA; and Erika Jostad of Moose, WY. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger sister, Grace Raube.