Jerome "Jerry G. Bernhardt

1925 - 2013

Bernhardt, Jerome "Jerry" G.

Jerome "Jerry" G. Bernhardt, 88, of Oostburg, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013, at Pine Haven Christian Home in Sheboygan Falls.

Jerry was born on March 18, 1925, in Racine, to Max and Clara (Schweitzer) Bernhardt. He was a 1943 graduate of St. Catherine High School in Racine and attended UW-Racine. Jerry served in the US Navy during WWII from 1943 - 1946. On July 2, 1949, he married Jean Jensen in Racine. He was employed as an accountant for many years retiring in 1991.

Jerry was a member of Blessed Trinity Parish in Sheboygan Falls. He was a member of American Legion Post #149. Jerry enjoyed music, sang in numerous choirs and played the guitar. He loved spending time at his cottage in Spooner and was instrumental in starting the Catholic Boy Scout Troop in Menomonee Falls. Jerry was a good story teller and was proud of his war service in the Pacific aboard the destroyer USS Helm DD388 and the nine separate battles he fought in.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean; three daughters, Barbara (Roy Roth) Bernhardt-Roth of Milwaukee, Mary Jo (Ralph Topinka) Bernhardt of Evansville, WI, and Ann (Bizhan Sheikholeslami) Bernhardt of Waukesha; two sons, Paul (Jodi) Bernhardt of Waubeka and James (Dawn) Bernhardt of West Bend; nine grandchildren, Emily (Ben Exley) Topinka, Katie (Andrew Kurth) Topinka, Rob (Andri Innes) Topinka, Meena Sheikholeslami, Maryam Sheikholeslami, Nicholas, Max, Paul, and Dustin Bernhardt; one great-grandchild, Clare Topinka-Exley; one brother, Charles Bernhardt of Fond du Lac; three sisters-in-law, Delores Jensen of Racine, Rose Jensen of Grand Ledge, MI and Alice Jensen of Midland, MI; one brother-in-law, Joseph (Carol) Jensen of Brown Deer; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, one infant granddaughter, Angela Bernhardt, four sisters, Josephine Krencisz, Gertrude (Ray) Lemke, Catherine (Anthony) Cetrano, and Mary Ann (Irv) Sorensen, one brother, Fred (Dorothy) Bernhardt, one niece, Patricia Hamen, one nephew, Neal Bernhardt, three sisters-in-law, Carol Bernhardt Reuille, Yvonne Bernhardt, and Marjorie (Charles) Stehlik, and three brothers-in-law, Tom Jensen, Clarence "Bud" Jensen, and David Jensen.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate Jerry's life will be held at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Blessed Trinity Parish in Sheboygan Falls with Rev. Richard Cerpich officiating. Private inurnment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Sheboygan Falls with military honors.

Relatives and friends may call from 3:00 PM until the time of Mass Tuesday at the church.



A memorial fund has been established in Jerry's name.

For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com

Jerry's family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Meadow View Manor Nursing Home, Pine Haven Christian Home, and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.