Richard M. "Rich" Bernath

Richard M. “Rich” Bernath, 93, left us peacefully Tuesday, September 16, 2025. He was born in Fond du Lac on January 2, 1932. Richard was the only child of Andrew and Dorothy (Scherer) Bernath. Rich graduated from Fond du Lac Senior High School in 1951. After graduation, he worked for A.A. Loehr Company until he was drafted into the Army. He proudly served his country during the Korean War, stationed in Augsburg, Germany.

Rich became a journeyman carpenter while employed by Elmer Fenton Construction. After several years he was hired by the City of Fond du Lac as the Assistant Building Inspector, later filling the role of Building Inspector. He retired in 1992.

Rich was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and a game of golf. He was a fan of the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. In 2016, he participated in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Dad leaves behind his loving family; his children, Rick (Jeanne) Bernath, Cindy (Bob) Buchholz, and Paula (Rick) Beekman; his grandchildren, Andy (Meghan), Wes (Maggie), Katchen (Jim) Tofil, Andra (Derek) Story, Aaron (Jackie) Buchholz, Adam (Carrie) Buchholz, Chad (Steph) Beekman, and Amy (Ben) LaBouve; his great-grandchildren, Dillyn, Eloise, Reed, Logan, Gunnar, Dorothy, James, Alexa, Avery, Kiera, Killian, Ethan, Caleb, Chase, Max, Qyn, Sam and Emi; and special friend, Rosie Hernandez. Rich was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Saturday, October 4, 2025, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1600 S. Main Street, Fond du Lac. A memorial service will follow, beginning at 11:30 AM. Burial will be in Ledgeview Cemetery. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial are appreciated to St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Winnebago Lutheran Academy and/or an organization of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff of Harbor Haven for their care of our dad, especially Sharon, Fawn, Sarah and Cindy. Also, the 5th floor nurses, Leslie and Adam for their compassion and guidance.

Good night, sleep tight, and don’t let the bed bug’s bite!

Love and miss you, Dad.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com