Harry Bernholdt

Harry F. Bernholdt, age 92, of Oregon WI, was called home on August 3, 2022. Harry was born April 5, 1930 in Jamaica, NY, the son of Arthur G. Bernholdt and Gertrude L. Ankers. He married the love of his life, Jocelyn L. Adams on December 17, 1955 in Ottawa, Canada. Together they raised two daughters, Linda J. Krbecek of Middleton, WI and Diana K. Bernholdt of Wheaton, IL.

Harry lived a very full and successful life. He grew up in Jamaica, NY and was the second of four brothers. He told stories of a very different world than today where he was allowed to ride the bus all over New York City. He and his older brother even attended the World’s Fair by themselves. At the age of 14, he took a bus by himself to Red Bluff, CA to work on his uncle’s ranch. Harry always spoke fondly of his family and shared many stories about growing up in New York.

Harry was a graduate of Purdue University and went on to attend Cornell University where he met his future wife, Jocelyn. After graduation from Cornell, Harry served in the army for several years. Then he and Jocelyn were married and he began his career with Swift and Company, Chicago, IL. He worked in Research and Development and played a key role in the development of the Butterball turkey. Harry also earned five patents related to meat tenderization methods. His career took him to many countries including Australia, Japan, and England to name a few. He loved traveling and always returned with souvenirs for Jocelyn and the girls. He retired from Swift as Director of Foods Research at the age of 53.

During his working career Harry and Jocelyn raised two daughters in the Chicago Suburbs. He was a loving, patient father. The family took yearly vacations around the U.S. and Canada. Harry was always supportive of his girls and encouraged them to continue their educations. He was caring and giving and had a great sense of humor. He was always good for a joke. He also held the fort down while his wife earned two more master’s degrees. He supported Jocelyn’s ministry work in the church and volunteered to help any chance he could. He truly loved his dog Bella, who was his constant and devoted companion.

Both girls have many fond memories of times spent with their father and are thankful to have had him in their lives for so long.  Harry also enjoyed his relationships with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always marveling at how smart each of them was.

An avid golfer, Harry played multiple times each week until he was 88 years old. Retiring early allowed him many years to enjoy playing the courses in Bella Vista, AR where he and Jocelyn lived for 27 years. He even got a hole in one, something not everyone achieves.  There he also enjoyed picnics on their pontoon boat, photography and developed photos in his darkroom. He joined a photography club and the local Lions Club. Harry was a member of the Lions for almost 40 years. He was chairman and secretary for many years and was named Lion of the Year.  He was dedicated to their fundraising projects and chaired the fall nut sale for many years in both Arkansas and Oregon, WI. He also took flying lessons and took his solo flight, earning him a pilot’s license.

In addition to his two daughters, Harry is survived by four grandchildren, Ryan, Danielle, and Leah Krbecek of Middleton WI and Kelly Heighway of Wheaton, IL; his two great-grandsons, Owen and Oliver Krbecek, his youngest brother David (Hedy) Bernholdt, sisters-in-law Bonnie Bernholdt and Margaret Bernholdt, Ron Krbecek, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Jocelyn A. Bernholdt, his parents, and his brothers Arthur and Paul.

Funeral services will be held August 20, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church, 408 N Bergamont Blvd. in Oregon, WI. Visitation will be held at 10 AM followed by the service at 11 AM. A luncheon will be held after the service. Private burial will take place at Prairie Mound Cemetery in Oregon, WI.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Oregon-Brooklyn Lions Club.

Please share your memories of Harry by posting on his Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral Service

206 W. Prospect Street, PO Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244