Bernard M. Walli

Bernard M. Walli, 93, of Spring Prairie, WI-An Uncommon Man-passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, at home with his beloved wife of 68 years, Claudette, and family by his side.

Born July 5, 1932, to Ernest and Anna (Weber) Walli, Bernard spent his early years in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.), later settling in various communities across Lower Michigan before relocating to Spring Prairie (Burlington), Wisconsin in the mid-1970s. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Bernard served during the Korean War, specializing in teletype repair while stationed in the Aleutian Islands. This experience led to a lifelong career with Western Union, where he maintained operations of teletypes, microwave towers, and Westar communication satellites.

A Life of Curiosity and Craftsmanship

Bernard was driven by an insatiable thirst for adventure and a deep love of learning. His interests ranged from astronomy to zoology, anatomy to music-his home and barn bookshelves bursting with volumes on every subject. In the 1960s, he built his own telescope by hand in the basement, grinding the lens and assembling it into a towering red cardboard tube. It worked. He eagerly invited (or lovingly coerced) friends and family to peer through it into the Michigan and Wisconsin night skies.

Forester at Heart

He planted thousands of trees-mostly red pine-across his properties and at "The Camp", his cherished retreat in the U.P. Using dynamite, a Bobcat skid steer, and "helpers", Bernard cleared tree stumps and forged rugged roads through woods. One such unfinished road is now lovingly named "St. Bernard's Way," a swampy homage to his legacy. He spent many hours at The Camp, talking to family generations while they fished, swam, watched for eagles, hiked, searched for arrowheads and generally avoided poison ivy.

The Scientist and Philosopher

Bernard's intellectual heroes included Albert Einstein and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Leon Lederman, whom he met during a visit to Fermilab in Illinois. He often surprised guests with quantum physics books over morning coffee and offered impromptu calculus lessons with Johnny Cash humming from the stereo. In his 70s, Bernard enrolled in Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology courses at Gateway Technical College, continuing his quest to understand the universe. Visitors received hands-on microscopy tutorials in his home.

The Explorer and Builder

From hopping freight trains in his youth with a nickel in his pocket to scenic drives he insisted were "just a short ride," Bernard's life was filled with unconventional exploration. His work gave him the opportunity to live in California and Texas for a time. When a colleague invited him to visit scenic St. Lucia, Bernard acquiesced even though it meant he had to fly rather than drive a Ford Econoline van. Bernard contributed designs to improve the energy efficiency of his Wisconsin home, built a two-story structure with second-story living quarters, a pole barn, a log cabin, and many outbuildings to store his treasures. A dedicated animal steward, he cared for cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and a family of beloved pets-even Cookie the cat, rescued from a tree top at The Camp, who faithfully warmed Bernard's lap throughout his final years.

His Final Gift

In a testament to his enduring love of science and learning, Bernard arranged for his body to be donated to the University of Wisconsin's body donation program-a decision his family treasures, knowing Bernard is "going back to college" to inspire and advance anatomical education. More than uncommon-Bernard was unforgettable. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, curiosity, and boundless love for the world around him. Bernard is survived by his wife, Claudette (Gollbach); Children: Denise (James) Haas, their children Dasha, Robin (Jeff), Brandon, Erick, Andrew (fiancée Natalie), Emily (Ben); Colette (Bradley) Countryman, their children Natalie (Bryan), Austin (Alice), Sarah (partner Ken); Corinne (Santiago) Perez, their children Alex (Michelle), Alana, Jessica (Ira), Daniel, Corina (Frank), Charity (Bill), Alexa (Joe), Dominick and Analisa; Tena (Ron) Davis, their children Jeremy and Bridget; Linda Patel and children Rajee, Justin, Stephen, Daniel, Timothy, Tyler; Daughter-in Law, Elizabeth Greer; and loving great and great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Bernard was predeceased by his parents, brothers Fred, George and John Walli, son David Greer, son-in-law Babu Patel, grandson Anthony and granddaughter Renee. Bernard's family extends their heartfelt thanks to Aurora at Home Hospice staff, especially aide Renee, nurses Janay and Kim, and the Home Helpers Burlington staff with special mention of Lili, Kelsey and Miya, for their compassionate and kind care. A Memorial Gathering will take place Sunday, September 28th, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Please contact family members for time and address. In lieu of flowers, consider supporting the Arbor Day Foundation and/or plant a tree, read a book, and take a joy ride.