Racine – Leah E. Bernhardt, 94, was surrounded by the love of her family as she passed away at WFH All Saints Hospital on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. She was born in Manitowoc on December 8, 1919, daughter of the late Harley and Hazel (nee: Stevens) Van Patten. Leah was married in Manitowoc to Frederick Bernhardt on November 27, 1943.
After moving to Racine in 1949 was a homemaker, and later enjoyed working downtown at Zahn’s Department Store. She then worked at the JI Case Company as an administrative assistant until she retired in 1978. In her free time, Leah liked fishing, reading books, completing puzzle books, playing cards and Scrabble with family and friends. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, as well as knitting and macramé. She was an accomplished traveler, having visited Israel, Greece, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Holland, the Bahamas, and Hawaii.
Leah is survived by her daughters, Judith (Frank) Piekarski and Mary (Ronald) Ruffalo both of Racine; grandchildren, Debra Piekarski and Steven Piekarski; great-grandchildren, Heather Schweissinger, Leah, Lane, and Cole Piekarski. She’s further survived by her brother Jerry (Sharon) Van Patten of Antigo; her sister-in-law Erma Heinrich of Manitowoc; as well as other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Fred Bernhardt; her sisters, Virginia (Hilmer) Kietzke, Roberta (Horace) Huebner, and Shirley Bridges; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Harold (Florence) Bernhardt, Clarence (Fern) Bernhardt, Robert (Emmy Lou) Bernhardt, Bernice Bernhardt, and Gladys (Jesse) Heinrich; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Hulda Bernhardt.
Complete services will be held in the chapel at West Lawn Memorial Park on Monday, June 23, 2014. All are invited to gather at 10:00 a.m. for the service at 10:30 a.m. Memorials to the American Heart Association have been suggested.
Leah’s family acknowledges the kindness and care provided by everyone at Harmony House, Lincoln Village Convalescent Center; All Saints Hospital; and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice. Thank you all for everything you have done.
Sign the Guestbook