Bernard “Bernie” J. Pernsteiner
Bernard “Bernie” J. Pernsteiner, age 93, of Dorchester, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 7, 2025. Bernard was born on Nov. 29, 1931, the eldest son of Emil and Elizabeth “Elsie” (Rothamer) Pernsteiner in the Town of Little Black, Taylor County. He worked on the family farm until joining the U.S. Marine Corps where he was stationed in Japan during the Korean War (1952-54). Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Anita Ertl, and they married on Aug. 20, 1955 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. He worked at Packaging Corporation of America in Colby until taking over the family farm in 1969. Bernard poured his heart and soul into farming; raising dairy cattle and crops, including Ginseng. He often referred to farming as “retirement” compared to factory work. Shortly after he and Anita became empty nesters, they retired to Lake Holcombe in 1997 where he spent the next 25 years fishing, gardening, taking daily walks, cooking, hosting family and friends, giving pontoon rides, visiting with neighbors, and more fishing. In 2022, the decision was made to move closer to their children, so he and Anita settled in Dorchester. Here Bernard enjoyed daily walks to the Post Office, reading Westerns and historical books, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards (especially Sheepshead) and spending time with family and friends. He looked forward to receiving The Star News paper every week and quickly scanned the obituaries to see if his name had made the list. Bernard had a wonderful sense of humor.
1931-2025
Bernard had a strong faith in God and willingly shared that faith with his family. He was a member of Holy Rosary in Medford, Sacred Heart in Stetsonville, and St. John’s in Sheldon. Most recently, he enjoyed following Sunday Mass on Heart of the Nation.
Bernard is survived by Anita, his wife of nearly 70 years; eight children, Jeff (Tracy) Pernsteiner, Susan (Paul) Malovrh, Lori Pernsteiner, Julie (Kurt) Radtke, Becky (Brian) Bucki all of Medford, Renee (Tom) Henrichs, Heidi (Jerome) Kowalski both of Stetsonville and Edward (Sue) Pernsteiner of Merrill; 18 grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and seven step-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by three sisters and one brother, Mary Jane Bonneau, Joan Altenhofen, Emil Richard Pernsteiner and Bernadette Voss; a sister-in-law, Lorena Kloke; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Jane Brylski; and son-in-law, Dave Brylski; five siblings, Florence Strange, Caroline O’Reilly, Frances Ruplinger, Ann Moertl and William “Billy” Pernsteiner; along with many in-laws, other relatives and friends.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
Paid Obituary 165842
