Paul J. Bernards

Paul Joseph Bernards, age 95, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather peacefully passed away on March 8, 2024.

Paul was born December 18, 1928 in Waunakee, Wisconsin to Christine (Uebersetzig) and Werner “Dutch” Bernards. He married his wife of 70 years, Dolores on June 13, 1953 at Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Westport.

He joined the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska from 1950-1952.   Upon his return he worked in the family gas station and in 1955 joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard 115^th Fighter Wing at Truax Field in Madison.  After 30 years of service, he retired in 1985.

Upon retirement he drove school bus for the Waunakee School District from 1985 to 2000 and enjoyed the many bus trips hauling the wrestling team to all their sporting events.   Volunteered at the Waunakee Area Senior Center, ushered at church, was on the parish council, member of the Knights of Columbus and traveling to Florida and Arizona during the winter months.

Always a sportsman he played football during his high school years and Home Talent Baseball League.   He bowled, played horseshoes and golfed. He enjoyed his many golf games with his sons and grandsons.

He is survived by his wife Dolores; children: David (Kay) of Lodi, Denise (Doug) Yelk of DeForest, Diane (Bob) Curwick of Dane, Douglas of Waunakee and Daniel of Bloomington; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Philip (Frankie) Bernards, Jackson and Finn of Lodi, Kristen Bernards of Madison; Jaime (Troy) Noble, Drew, Ainsley and Macie of Platteville, Rob (Michele) Yelk of Columbus, Kailee, Teagan and Reid; Jodie (Chris) Ciampi of TN, Ava and Ellison; Scott (Amanda) Curwick of Milwaukee, Ella and Layla; Craig (Hillary) Curwick of Waunakee, Hudson and Dayne; Megan (Jeremiah) Blosser of Dane, Colton and Aria; and honorary son and daughter, Dean and Mary Hein. He is further survived by his siblings, Carole Stangler, Jenne (Bob) Weichmann, and many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas, twin sister Pauline, sisters and brothers-in-law Joyce and Jack Dobson, Bonnie & Joe Meyer, Ray Stangler, special god-daughter and niece Jeanne Dobson and nephew Tim Dobson.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St John’s Catholic Church 209 South St Waunakee. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

We love you dad until we meet again – Mom and your 5 D’s

Please share your memories of Paul here on his Tribute Wall. 

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513