– Obituary –
Bernard “Bernie” J. Pernsteiner, 93, Dorchester, passed away peacefully, to be with his Lord and savior, Friday, March 7, 2025.
Bernard was born 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, Aug. 20, 1955, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford.
Bernard worked at the Packaging Corporation of America, in Colby, until taking over the family farm in 1969. He poured his heart and soul into farming, raising dairy cattle and crops, including ginseng.
He often referred to farming as “retirement,” compared
Bernard “Bernie” J. Pernsteiner to factory work. Shortly after he and Anita became empty nesters, they retired to 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.
The decision was made in 2022, 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.
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.
He 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, Merrill; 18 grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; seven step-great-grandchildren; three sisters and one brother – Mary Jane Bonneau, Joan Altenhofen, Emil Richard Pernsteiner and Bernadette Voss; a sisterin- law – Lorena Kloke; and many nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter – Jane Brylski; son-in-law – Dave Brylski; five siblings – Florence Strange, Caroline O’Reilly, Frances Ruplinger, Ann Moertl and William “Billy” Pernsteiner; and many in-laws; other relatives and friends.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford, is entrusted with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at maurinaschilling. com. 165868
