Bernard A. Brenner

PORTAGE –  Bernard A. Brenner, age 93, of Portage, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Northview Gardens.

Bernard was born on March 24, 1919 in Thorp, Wisconsin, the son of Walter and Lillian (Warden) Brenner.  He moved to Cambria in 1937 to work in Fred Bleuer’s cheese factory.  He served his country as a U.S. Army Medic in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.  Bernard was wounded in the Philippines in January of 1945, and was hospitalized in Springfield, Missouri until being discharged in September of 1945.  On April 25, 1945, he was married to Frances Williams at Olivet Presbyterian Church in Cambria.  Bernard took up plumbing and later started his own plumbing, heating, electrical, and pump work business, south of Portage.  With his wife, Frances, he spent many winters in Sun City, Arizona.  Bernard was a member of Portage Presbyterian Church, Portage Curling Club, DAV, and American Legion.  He lived the last year in Northview Gardens in Portage.  Bernie was a caring and loving family man, and was always willing to help lend a hand to anyone and everyone in need.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Brenner, Portage;  his children, Bernard Rhys (Laura) Brenner, Pardeeville, Mary Brenner, Whitefish Bay, and Kevin (Tracy Cox) Brenner, Mascotte, Florida;   his daughter-in-law, Linda Johnson, Sun Prairie;  seven grandchildren;  six great-grandchildren;  his brother, Wilfred (Evelyn) Brenner, Chippewa Falls;  his sister-in-law, Bette Brenner;  other near relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Walter, his sister, Norma Couillard, and his brothers, Walter, Jr. and Kenneth.

Memorial services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Portage Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. David Hankins officiating.  Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Northview Gardens for their exceptional caring and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Portage Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.