In Loving Memory
Bernie J. Waters
1/27/1953 — 2/20/2026
Proko Funeral Home
A Life Remembered
Obituary
Bernie James Waters, age 73, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. He was born on January 27, 1953, the son of the late Bernard and Evelyn (Craft) Waters.
Bernie made elevator buttons for the Kenosha Achievement Center and was a janitor at a shoe cobbler shop. He loved his lifelong companion, standing at 6 foot 1.5 inches, an invisible rabbit named Harvey. He built a new house almost everyday for Verna out of Legos and was an accomplished kazoo player. He loved to perform puppet shows and was a master ventriloquist. He was a CB enthusiast and a collector of classic movies. Above all, he loved his family with his entire being. He left a mark on everyone who has met him. Bernie was “pure love”.
He leaves behind his sisters, Lea Szemela and Verna Berglund; nieces and nephews, Donald (Chris) Wittkamp, Ronald (Annie) Berglund, Wanda (Bill) Dickinson, Dawn (Jim) Yoshii, Donald (Kerry) Berglund, Kathleen Michalski, Amy (Marc) Moran, PeggyJo (Ricky) Jarrell, Kerry (Rey) Rivera, Tammy Cross, and Rachele Hartleb.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, JoAnne (Raul) Guerra and Kathaleen Monroe; and nieces and nephews, Billy Wittkamp, Cheri King, and Bobby Wittkamp in infancy.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at St. Andrew Anglican Chapel, 11726 Fox River Road, Wilmot WI from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.
“KNM 6171, The Big Man Base, I’m 10-7”
Bernie made elevator buttons for the Kenosha Achievement Center and was a janitor at a shoe cobbler shop. He loved his lifelong companion, standing at 6 foot 1.5 inches, an invisible rabbit named Harvey. He built a new house almost everyday for Verna out of Legos and was an accomplished kazoo player. He loved to perform puppet shows and was a master ventriloquist. He was a CB enthusiast and a collector of classic movies. Above all, he loved his family with his entire being. He left a mark on everyone who has met him. Bernie was “pure love”.
He leaves behind his sisters, Lea Szemela and Verna Berglund; nieces and nephews, Donald (Chris) Wittkamp, Ronald (Annie) Berglund, Wanda (Bill) Dickinson, Dawn (Jim) Yoshii, Donald (Kerry) Berglund, Kathleen Michalski, Amy (Marc) Moran, PeggyJo (Ricky) Jarrell, Kerry (Rey) Rivera, Tammy Cross, and Rachele Hartleb.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, JoAnne (Raul) Guerra and Kathaleen Monroe; and nieces and nephews, Billy Wittkamp, Cheri King, and Bobby Wittkamp in infancy.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at St. Andrew Anglican Chapel, 11726 Fox River Road, Wilmot WI from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.
“KNM 6171, The Big Man Base, I’m 10-7”
Messages of Love
From family and friends
Dale Wendt ( Mr. Depinia)
May 19, 2026
I’m sorry to hear that he passed, every time I saw Bernie, he played the part of Dr. Weirdo, he would pretend to give me a shot of Dr Weirdo’s special and fix me right up. He would pretend he had a syringe and would touch my arm and would say Pffft, there you go and then I’d be in perfect shape. To know Bernie was to love him. He will be missed and in my memory forever.
John White
May 18, 2026
So sorry to hear about Bernie. I enjoyed talking to him when I delivered newspapers in his neighborhood. I enjoyed each and every day with Bernie
Old staff
March 12, 2026
I worked as one of many caregivers with Bernie. He was a joy to work with with and he and the other guys would watch comedy movies together. Go on outings always willing to go for a ride. He talked about his sister alot, lot to say lol. But he will be missed and hanging out with wayno.
Mary H. Slavik
March 11, 2026
Bernie made so many people smile - myself included! I knew him since we were young and always remember his zest for life, which was contagious.My condolences to Bernie's family and to all who were a part of his life.Mary Hubbard Slavik
Mary Lillstrom
March 10, 2026
I grew up knowing Bernie and went through high school with him. He was always such a positive and loving presence. Bless him and the lives he touched.
Bill And Katy Hall
March 10, 2026
BJ was always the sprit of the Waters Picnic at Fox River Grove. Many family memories! Prayers to all. Katy and Bill
Joyce Cook
March 10, 2026
Rest in peace, Bernie, you are very nice man and thank you for all the beat up the shoulder rubs.
sharon Thomas
March 9, 2026
I worked with Bernie at the achievement center for many yrs got to know him helped him at lunch and while we were working at achievement center you will be missed Bernie may you be with god
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Provided by
Proko Funeral Home