David Bernhardt, 90, of Kenosha, passed away on Saturday, December 13th, 2008, at Harmony of Kenosha Assisted Living Center. Born November 7, 1918, in Milwaukee, he was the son of the late Christian and Katherine (Neuwirth) Bernhardt. He moved to Kenosha as a young boy and received his education in local schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 4, 1942 and was honorably discharged on October 8, 1945. He was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with 1 Silver Battle Star, 4 Overseas Service Bars, 1 Service Stripe, and the Purple Heart Medal. On June 28, 1947, he married Helen Nierenberger at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2004. David was employed as a press operator at American Motors for 30 years, retiring in 1979. He was a member of the Boilermakers Union Local 1062 and the Ke-Nash-A Club. Survivors include four sons, Donald (Kathy), Robert (Connie) and Thomas (Diane) all of Kenosha, and Michael (Jill) of Hartland, WI; one brother, John (Virginia) of Kenosha; eleven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Henry, Alex, Chris, Carl and Edward; and four sisters, Katherine Price, Emma Jacob, Natalie Thomey, and Mary Waas. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 17th, at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 8411 Old Green Bay Road, Pleasant Prairie, at 12:00 noon. Interment to follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospice Alliance would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit David’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Lynn and Dale Johnson
December 17, 2008
Bob and Connie, we were sorry to hear about your dad. We send our condolences to your and your family. We never met David but we feel that we knew him a little through Connie. God will be there to help you through this difficult time.Lynn and Dale Johnson
Betty Schripsema
December 16, 2008
To Don Bernhardt and the Bernhardt family:My thoughts are with you during your time of sorrow. Don, I know how much time you spent with your father on a daily basis. This will certainly leave a hole in your life. You should feel comforted that you created a loving and comfortable environment for your father. Betty Schripsema
Mike Serpe
December 15, 2008
Dear Bob,Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. He had a good long life and left the most wonderful legacy of all; a beautiful family.Take care,Mike 6674 Hidden DriveEgg Harbor, WI 54209
Joan Evangelisti
December 15, 2008
Dear Don: Many thoughts ran through my mind as I read your father's Obituary in The Kenosha News today.(1) I congratulate him on achieving such a long life. Ninety years is something to admire. (2) I was struck byhow many pieces of his life resembled those of my own family or my husband's. My father, too, was a WWII veteran,who served in France. My Uncle Joe, who died on July 5 this year, was also a WWII veteran who served in Europe.(His perfectly preserved Captain's jacket was displayed at the funeral.) My father worked his entire life at American Motors in Milwaukee. I am still grateful for the health insurance and pension he and my mother were able to live on comfortably. Bob's mother also came from a very large family; she was one of twelve. Thank you for providing such a thoughtful remembrance. (3) I am sorry for your loss. It is difficult to lose a parent; it makes me sad to think of the space your father's passing will leave in your life. I hope you fill that space with many happy, cherished moments with family and friends. Dylan sends his condolences also. Know that you and Kathy are in our thoughts.