Service Details
A visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. till noon at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd, Mt Pleasant, WI, on Friday, April 4, 2025, followed by a service at noon and his interment at Mound Cemetery immediately after.
Harvey L. Bernhardt (86) of Racine, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 17, 2025, at Pleasant Point Senior Living in Mount Pleasant, WI.
Harvey was born in Racine on April 25, 1938, the son of the late Fred and Marie (nee: Eisel) Bernhardt. On November 19, 1955, he married the love of his life, Joanne C. Wabakken in Dubuque, IA, and together they built a loving home for their four children: Debra, Lori, Lee, and Lynda.
A tool and die maker by trade, Harvey worked in management as the head of the tool room at Bosch until his retirement in the early 2000s. He was known for his quick wit, deep love for his children and grandchildren, and his passion for all things antique. Whether frequenting estate sales or flea markets—where Harvey always looked to make a deal—or road tripping across North America, Harvey and Joanne sought to instill a love for history and travel in their children and grandchildren who were happily in tow. Harvey was a gunsmith and a collector who enjoyed restoring vintage toys, watches, and strollers. He also had a great passion of seeking out rare and unique jewelry pieces for Joanne as well as his daughters and granddaughters. Harvey cherished taking care of his beloved dogs, Cortney and Toby. In Harvey’s spare time he enjoyed going to car shows. He had a passion for classics, especially Cadillacs.
Harvey is survived by his daughters and son, Debra Oakes of Mount Pleasant, Lori (Tom) Bernhardt of Oak Creek, Lee (Michelle) Bernhardt of Mount Pleasant, Lynda (Patrick) O’Mara of Cibolo, TX; grandchildren Tricia Bernhardt, Nicole (David) Maggio, Samantha (William) Stanko, William Oakes, Alissa (Steve) Bernhardt, Jason Bernhardt, Kyle Adams, Luke (Erika) Adams: his great grandchildren Jordan (Laura) Fouse, Jeffrey McKenzie, Jessica (Lonnie) McKenzie, Julianna (P.J.) McKenzie, Bradley Writz, Ethan Writz, Adelynn Maggio, Logan Maggio, Frank Maggio, William Rivers, Noah Westbrook, Elijah Westbook, Makenzie Westbrook, Jaxon Bernhardt, Wes Bernhardt, Antonio Adams; his great great grandchildren Ivy Fouse, Kai Fouse, Aaryia Singh, Oaklynn Writz; his sister Elsie Brander, sister-in-law Maria Wabakken, as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne; grandson Austin Bernhardt; brothers and sister-in-law Jacob (Betty) Bernhardt, Edward Bernhardt, Donald Bernhardt; sister and brother-in-law Dorothy (Peter) Kupper; and brothers-in-law Clifford Brander and Edward Wabakken.
A visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. till noon at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd, Mt Pleasant, WI, on Friday, April 4, 2025, followed by a service at noon and his interment at Mound Cemetery immediately after.
The family wishes to thank Pleasant Point Senior Living staff, especially Jo and Kayla, and Heartland Hospice team, especially Morgan, Julie, and Angela.
Larry & Anita Lieburn says
Harvey, you were always such a good friend. I could always count on you for advice or a special tool.
I thank you for being my friend, I truly will miss you and our conversations. I know I will see you again and check out your cars and tools in heaven.
To Harvey’s family Anita and I send our prayers and condolences at this difficult time. Harvey was an amazing person.
Deb Petri says
I worked with Harvey at Bosch for 20 years. My condolences to his family. He was a pleasure to work with and made work fun! I’m sorry I will be out of town and wish I could have talked to his family.
Carol & Bob Haider says
Harvey was a Dear friend & neighbor of ours. I shared meals with him several times.
He attended every estate sale that Belle City of Racine had, & since I worked there, we always had time to chat! Great guy with a lot of energy. He’s missed already. RIP HARVEY!
Hugs, Carol & Bob Haider 😢🙏❤️
Joan Bulgrin says
Harvey,
What a special friend.My husband
(Lee Bulgrin) worked with Harvey at Bosch for many years.Every time Harvey would go out looking for his treasures he would find Lee walking canes,don’t know why, but I have many walking canes in my home.R I P Harvey . Joan Bulgrin,
Jackie Malone says
I worked with Harvey at Bosch until they closed the doors and moved in 2002. Such a nice happy guy. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Kane & Lesa Patt says
So sorry for your loss
David & Judie Nielsen says
We worked with Harvey at Bosch, we enjoyed his humor and ability to fix things. Our sympathies to the family. No more 15 plus dinners to reminisce of the good times.
Jake Austin says
I never had the pleasure of meeting Harvey in person but emailed and bought many Sheridan airgun items from him for 15 years. He was very informative on Sheridan history and we would talk about Wisconsin because I unfortunately live in California. We would compare w
eather . I have my most prized Sheridan items from Harvey and there are many. My kids called his Sheridan items I would get from him Harv
specials. My condolences to all family members, I will truly miss Harvey and his items and stories will be passed on with my children. Thank you Harvey, you will be missed.