Scott A. "Barney" Bernander

1961 - 2025

Scott A. "Barney" Bernander

September 13, 1961 - November 8, 2025

Scott A. "Barney" Bernander, age 64 of Portage, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, November 8, 2025. Born September 13, 1961, Barney was the 5th son born to Alton and Dolores Bernander. Born in Florence, WI the family would eventually move to Pardeeville, WI where Barney would graduate as a proud member of the class of 1979. Those friendships gained throughout his school years were maintained throughout his life.

After high school Barney moved to Madison, attended MATC and began his sales career at American TV. While there, he built many life-long friendships with both fellow employees and customers. He later joined the world of campground management, followed by becoming the president of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) In September 2002 Barney felt the need to return to his love for sales, beginning a career lasting 23 years with Trecek Chevrolet. His love of working with people, both customers and fellow employees, created a wonderful and rewarding career.

Barney was very blessed with family. In a marriage to Shelley Hanson in 1990, they raised three wonderful children. Barney is survived by daughters: Amaria (Jhonny), Annie (Jon) Kuelz, Jake (Monica) Ayers. He proudly boasted of the accomplishments of all of them. His affection for grandchildren, nephews, nieces and their children was always with unconditional love. Affectionately referred to as "Funcle" Barney tells of their fondness towards him. Barney was also blessed to grow-up in a very close and loving family. A family built around music, Al & Dolores' boys were all melded with the togetherness it would create. If you knew Barney you knew that music was his life, singing at a large number of weddings and funerals of those he knew. His talent was highlighted by the forming of 'Me and My Fat Uncle'… affectionately named by Barney himself, he and his nephew, Kevin, entertained the many following patrons with songs of every music genre. Family get-togethers were another place where often-time's guitars would be pulled out and harmonies filled the air, and generally followed by a few barbershop songs to end the day. Barney is further survived by brothers Dave (Stephanie), Jim (Gayle), Jon, Kevin (Kay) along with many nieces and nephews and their children.

Religious commitment was a virtue of Barney. Sunday mornings were meant for church. Most Sundays began with watching not one, but three church services. He seldom missed listening in on his good friend, Pastor Dick's sermons, and sustaining that special relationship over the years. Barney was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Portage.

Barney was an avid sports fan, having been active in many sports during his youth. He could be seen and heard cheering and watching his Bulldogs, Bears, Badgers, Brewers and Bucks at every opportunity. He took particular interest in the youth sports played by all of the family's children.

A celebration of Barney's life will be held Thursday, November 20th at 11:00 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Portage with Rev. Jamie Benson officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 19th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Grasse Funeral Home in Pardeeville and on Thursday morning at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences may be made at www.grassefs.com. Grasse Funeral Service in Pardeeville is serving the family.