Jo Bernhagen

Jo Ann (Kearney) Bernhagen passed away at home surrounded by her family on Monday, September 12, 2016, after her battle with cancer. Jo Ann was born in Madison, Wisc, on August 2, 1932 to Bernard and Helen Kearney.

She moved to McFarland in 1941 and while attending school she met the love of her life, Bud Bernhagen, at the age of 9. Bud and Jo Ann remained sweethearts throughout grade school and high school. She graduated in 1950 from East High School.

Jo Ann and Bud were joined in marriage on July 8, 1951 at the McFarland Lutheran Church. Together they were blessed with three sons.

Jo Ann is survived by her husband, Bud, of 65 years, her sons, Dean (San Diego) and Dwight (Desiree), two grandchildren, Leah and Paul Bernhagen; two step grandchildren, Franchesca Beswick and Massiel Beswick; and one great grandchild, Paul Mazariegos-Beswick; sister, Jeanette Egner, sisters in law, Judy (Lee) Phillips, Annette Bernhagen, Jeanne Carpenter, and many nieces and nephews.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her son David in 2009, infant grandson Patrick, her parents, Bernard Kearney and Art and Helen Zaemisch, her father and mother in law, George and Evelyn Bernhagen, her sister in law, Dell (Peck) Smith, her brothers in law, Howard Egner and Dick Bernhagen and her two nephews, Dan and Mark Egner.

A special thanks to Dr.'s Hegeman and Grogan and Agrace Hospice for all of the support and care they provided. Also like to thank Anne Buol, Penny Bonner, Lori Samolyk for their care. And a special thanks to family and friends Cindy, and Julie.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Cress Funeral Home, 5801 HWY 51, McFarland, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service at the American Legion Post #534 McFarland.