Bernard Urban

Bernard Frank Urban, age 87, of Bryant, died peacefully at Rosalia Gardens on Monday, August 11, 2025. He was born on December 25, 1937 to parents Marie and Frank Urban at their farm in Bryant. He took over many of the responsibilities on the farm when his father passed in 1950, and graduated from Antigo High School in 1955.
Bernard continued dairy farming and raising certified seed barley, canning crops, and Christmas trees until his retirement. He was a member of the Associated Milk Producers Inc (AMPI) and Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service, where he served as committee chairman. He was secretary-treasurer of the Langlade County June Dairy Month committee and a member of the Holstein-Friesian Association. In 1972, he and his wife Donna were named Outstanding Dairy Couple by the Mid-States Region of AMPI. Bernard was also an excellent herdsman with a keen eye for genetics, and people came from as far as Japan to see his registered Holstein herd.
One of Bernard's great joys in life was music, and he played the saxophone and clarinet in several bands including the Northernaires dance band for over 50 years. He passed on his love and enthusiasm for music to his children and grandchildren. Bernard was also very active in the community, serving on the Federal Land Bank Board for 11 years and as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 662 in Antigo for over 50 years, where he enjoyed preparing food for events. One of Bernard's biggest accomplishments in life was building his dream cottage. This was a lifelong goal and was lovingly planned for, designed, and finally built in 1999-2000, where his beautiful artistry and carpentry work will be enjoyed by his family for years to come. Bernard had a love and appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family, friends, and neighbors.
Bernard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Donna (Kluball) Urban; his children, Carrie (Ken) Shestak, Brian (Dori) Urban, Crystal (Lisa Radwan) Urban, Dawn (Ryan) Riesing, Heidi (Jeremy) Cornelius, and Kyle Urban; grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Michel (Jeff Klatt) Shestak, Sarah (Joel) Richardson, Cody Urban, Owen Riesing, Amelia Riesing, Tessa Cornelius, and Luke Cornelius; a great-grandson, Vaughan Shestak-Klatt; and sisters, Germaine Gauerke, Rosalie (Jim) Borczon, and Theresa (Dave) Devore.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley (Clem) Beck; brother-in-law, Paul Gauerke; nephew, Jerome Beck; and sisters-in-law, Lila (Nelson) Leclher and Arlene (Roy) Lechler.
Bernard will always be remembered for his work ethic, his carpentry, his back lane driving lessons, his afternoon recliner power naps, but mostly the way he loved and cared for his family.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 18 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Wencel Catholic Church in Neva with the Very Rev. Joel Sember officiating.
Visitation will be held at the Bradley Funeral Home on Sunday, August 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. with an Elk's Lodge of Sorrow Service at 5 p.m. and a parish wake service at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, August 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful LeRoyer Hospice nurses and the staff at Rosalia Gardens for their wonderful care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Music in the Park, 230 Fred Street, Antigo, WI 54409 or Antigo Community Food Pantry, PO Box 194 Antigo, WI 54409.
Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Bernard, please visit our Tree Store.