Marie Flynn Berner was the matriarch of the family-owned Antigo Daily Journal, becoming publisher after her husband Artemas F. Berner died in 1963.
Already involved in the family’s WATK-AM radio interests, she found success in her new role at a newspaper that has served as a foundation of the community for more than 100 years. Forty-five years later, she could have been considered the dean of Wisconsin newspaper publishers.
In 1963, Berner Brothers Publishing Company also included an expansive commercial printing operation and a retail office supply business, which continued to operate until 1972 when Marie made the decision to focus solely on the newspaper business. It is one she, and her community, have not regretted.
Her successes in the publishing industry reflect extraordinary news judgment, management and skills. Truly, the Antigo Daily Journal measures the heartbeat of the community: celebrating its successes, chronicling the lives of its residents, and helping maintain progress and optimism in good times and those less so.
Even at the age of 96, her joy for newspapers had not diminished. She remained active in newspaper operations on a daily basis, arriving at the office promptly every morning and begging off only for bridge games, another of her passions.
She insisted on publishing a newspaper that was valued by its community, serving readers and advertisers alike with the highest quality of journalism. She dedicated her time, talent and energies to protecting and improving the quality of life in Antigo and Langlade County, and earned her community’s love and respect in return.
