Bernhard A. Schreib

VISITATION: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH 12300 Janesville Road from 11:00am – 1:00pm
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH 12300 Janesville Road at 1:00pm
Bernhard A. Schreib
Bernhard (Bernie) passed away peacefully, at the age of 82 years. Bernie was the cherished husband of Nancy (nee Carroll) for 63 years. Loving father of John, (Constance) and Jane. He will also be forever remembered by his treasured grandsons, Trevor and Benjamin. Bernie is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Hannelore, and her sons Stuart (Michele), Kevin and their families, his sister-in-law Virginia and her children, Michelle (Tim), Heidi, Kurt (Claire) and their families. He will be missed by so many dear friends he had, and he will be happy to see the Sheepshead friends that are waiting for him. Preceded in death by his parents, Werner and Charlotte, brother John Schreib, brother-in-law Albert Nitschke and daughter Jane Marie Schreib.
Bernie was born in Berlin, Germany, and came to America with his mother, father, and brother. His sister and her husband joined them here about 2 years later. Because he was only 14, the church that sponsored the family decided to send him to Milwaukee Lutheran High School. It was there he learned English, and where he met his future wife. He was very proud to become a Naturalized Citizen of the United States in December of 1964.
After graduating from Milwaukee Lutheran, he set out to pursue his dream of becoming a Tool and Die Maker, and one day owning his own business. He worked at a number of shops before serving his apprenticeship at AAA Tool and Die. His brother decided to pursue an apprenticeship, and together the dream was becoming a reality. In the early part of 1967, with a few used machines, Toolrite Manufacturing Company was born. What started with just Bernie and his brother and their wives doing the office work grew to over 120 employees by the early 90's. He was always keeping his ears open for opportunities and because of that he acquired at least 6 other companies to expand the services Toolrite could offer their customers. His dream came true, and it got better when his son, and then grandsons followed in his footsteps. Bernie followed in his father's footsteps too. In Germany, Bernie's father was a Tool and Die Maker and must have passed on his talents to the men in the family. At one point, all the Schreib men were in the trade. Bernie, John, JD, Stuart, Kevin, Tim, and Kurt were all tool makers.
Bernie would walk through the shop every morning, stopping to say hello and asking how things were going with the employees. He counted everyone as equal and always wanted the employees to know how much they were appreciated. Even after retirement he continued to make his rounds.
Bernie had many interests and was always busy with something. In the 60's, he raised tropical fish in their basement for a local department store. Later, in addition to Toolrite, he would own Lightmore, an interior lamp and lighting company, J&B Tool Corp. along with multiple commercial properties. When he was not working, he also enjoyed model railroading, Canadian fishing trips and he was an excellent tennis player. Bernie was a collector of more than 20 convertibles and other classic cars. He loved the Northwoods and as a teenager he worked summers at The Antlers Resort in Sugar Camp. He always loved being by water and over the years he would spend time at his trailer on Rock Lake, the Northwoods cabin on the lake, a house on the Little Wolf River and finally a condo on the ocean.
Bernie was always helping people; he was a generous man and cared for others. He was a member of Hales Corners Lutheran Church for over 50 years and helped with anything that was needed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hales Corners Lutheran Church or HAWS would be appreciated. Bernie loved all the dogs they had through the years, but especially little Chloe. He missed her so when she passed. If there are dogs in heaven. she must be sitting on his lap.
Visitation will be held at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 12300 W. Janesville Road, from 11am – 1pm, followed by a service at 1pm. Private burial to be held at a later date.
HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME
16880 W. National Ave. (262)901-1140
www.heritagefuneral.com