Arthur W. Berlin, age 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2026, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. A beloved husband, cherished father, grandfather, brother, coach, and friend who dedicated his life to his family, faith, students, athletes, and community. Art will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was born on April 26, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to William and Martha (née Pierzchalski) Berlin, and was raised on Tichigan Lake in Racine County. He graduated from Waterford Union High School, where he participated in track, football, and wrestling. Following his graduation from high school in 1961, Art had planned to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, but his plans changed when at just 19 years old he suffered a catastrophic injury to his arms in an accident at Burlington Mills Inc., where he worked at the time. He made a remarkable recovery showing perseverance and determination, and chose a new path, pursuing higher education.

He earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology from UW–Whitewater in 1969, followed by a master’s degree in school psychology from UW-Stout in 1974. Art dedicated his career to serving students and families as a school psychologist in Shell Lake and surrounding school districts. He also shared his love of athletics as a youth and assistant high school wrestling coach in Shell Lake, encouraging and mentoring generations of young athletes over the years.

Art found happiness in the simple things in life. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, collecting treasures, and coaching wrestling. Whether spending time outdoors, tending his garden, going to auctions and garage sales, or coaching, he brought commitment and kindness to those around him. Above all else, he treasured his family and the time spent together. He was also a longtime and faithful parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Shell Lake.

He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 54 years, Susan (née Anderson); his children, John (Robin), Andrew (Sam), Claudia, and Eric (Diane) Berlin; and his adored grandchildren, Fischer, Sterling, Elsie, Millie, Hattie, Bo, and Isabella Berlin, and Charles Kent. He is further survived by his brother, Donald (Sharon) Berlin; sister, Barbara (the late Fred) Kamp; brothers-in-law, Reese Ofstie and James Anderson; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, former students, and athletes whose lives he touched.

Arthur was preceded in death by his siblings, Margaret (the late Ray) Kuehn, Ramona Ofstie, and William Berlin Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shell Lake, with Fr. Philip Juza presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.

Art will be remembered for his resilience, dedication to others, quiet strength, deep love for his family, community, faith, and the many lives he helped shape along the way.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Art to the Washburn County Lakes and Rivers Association or the Shell Lake Education Foundation.

Last Update: May 15, 2026 6:53 am CDT