Carol Bernath

Carol A. (Wachtman) Bernath, 83, of Napoleon, Ohio, went home to the Lord on Friday, October 10, 2025. She was born on July 20, 1942, to the late Edwin and Almeda (Bahler) Wachtman. On June 6, 1965, she married the love of her life, Gary Bernath, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, and spent a loving 60 years together.

She was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was baptized at home in 1942 by Rev. George Hueter, as well as confirmed in 1956 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township, Ohio, by Rev. George Hueter. She was a graduate of Napoleon High School in 1960, International Business College of Fort Wayne, IN in 1962, as well as Defiance College, Defiance, Ohio, in 1964. Carol continued her career by serving as a schoolteacher at Facett Jr. High School, Oregon, Ohio, from 1964-1965, Lutheran High School South, St. Louis, MO, from 1965-1966, Lutheran High School West, Rocky River, Ohio, from 1979-1992, as well as Lorain Middle School, Lorain, Ohio, from 1998-2004.

Carol also served during her life and career as an organist for several different churches. She loved her family dearly, and enjoyed spending time with them, and cooking various meals for them. Carol also thoroughly enjoyed sewing and quilting in her spare time.

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Gary; children, Stephanie (Paul) Eggebrecht of Napoleon, Ohio, Michelle Brown of Parma Heights, Ohio, Jonathan (Desa) Bernath of Columbia Station, Ohio and Rachel (William) Bailey of Batavia, Ohio; eleven grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and sister, Patricia (Andy) McMahon of Napoleon, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her father, Edwin Wachtman; stepfather, Rudy Panning; mother, Almeda Panning; and brothers, Thomas and James Panning.

Friends and Family will be received at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 2pm until 7pm. A Funeral Service will be held for Carol at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11am, with an hour of visitation prior to services. Interment will follow at Saint James Lutheran Cemetery, 20727 State Rte 2, Archbold, OH 43502. Memorial contributions can be made out to St. Paul Lutheran School. Online condolences may also be left for the family at www.rodenbergergray.com.