RACINE – Mr. Frederick W. Bernhardt, 93, passed away at WFH – All Saints on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Manitowoc on February 20, 1920, the son of the late Fred and Lena (nee: Pforr) Bernhardt. On November 27, 1943 he married Leah Emily Van Patten. They moved to Racine in 1949.
In his earlier years Mr. Bernhardt worked as a farmer and a bricklayer. However, he retired from Jacobson/Textron in 1983 after over 20 years of service.
He was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed fishing, golfing, deer hunting, spending time at Lake George in Rhinelander and attending Braves and Brewers games. He was also an accomplished bowler, inducted to the Racine Bowling Hall of Fame in 1996.
In addition to his wife Leah, of 69 years, he is survived by his daughters, Judith (Frank) Piekarski, Mary (Ron) Ruffalo both of Racine; his grandchildren, Debra Piekarski of Racine, Steven (Debbie Jacobs) Piekarski of Bristol; his great grandchildren, Heather Schweissinger of Milwaukee, Leah, Lane and Cole Piekarski; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jerry (Sharon) Van Patten of Juneau, WI, Erma Heinrich of Manitowoc; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Hulda Bernhardt; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold (Florence) Bernhardt, Clarence (Fern) Bernhardt, Robert (Emmy Lou) Bernhardt; sisters and brother-in-law, Bernice Bernhardt, Gladys (Jesse) Heinrich; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Virginia (Hilmer) Kietzke, Roberta (Horace) Huebner and Shirley Bridges, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Hazel and Harley Van Pattern.
Family and friends are invited to meet at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, May 20, 2013 at noon for the celebration of his life and funeral service with Rev. Mark Swanson officiating. There will be a visitation in the funeral home on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at noon. His interment will follow the service at West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials have been suggested to either the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
Mr. Bernhardt’s family would like to thank Lincoln Village Convalescent Center and the entire ICU staff at All Saints for the loving and compassionate attention he received while under their care.
Lynn and Don Nelson says
Mary, I was so said to read about the passing of your father and wanted to come to the funeral but was unable to as I work on Monday and Tuesdays at In SinkErator.
To be blessed with a long life like your father had and enjoying family, grandchildren, etc. Your father knows and appreciates the great daugher that you are.
Sherry Horton says
Dear Mrs. Bernhardt & Family,
I’m so sorry to hear that your beloved husband passed away. Fred was a great guy. I always enjoyed talking to him when he’d come into the office to take care of business for the UAW Local 556 Retiree’s Chapter.
He especially enjoyed telling me about his trips up north and stopping at the cheese factory.
Fred will be missed by everyone who knew him. I’m sorry for your loss.
With sincere sympathy,
Sherry Horton
UAW Local 180 Office Secretary