September 20, 1935 - September 20, 2012
Born to Eternal Life on his 77th birthday, Thursday, September 20, 2012. Loving husband of the late Norma L. (nee Skornia). Beloved father of Kevin, Belinda (Gregg) Matter, Kelly (Chris) Fox and Daniel (Doris). Cherished grandfather of David and Michelle Matter, and Joey and Michael Bay. Dear brother of Jeanette (Boyd) Underwood. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Visitation on Sunday, September 23 at the FUNERAL HOME from 1PM until time of Funeral Service at 3PM.
Bernie was born in Union, Missouri. Early in life, he moved to Chicago to join the workforce for the Rock Island Railroad. In 1961, he married Norma Skornia from Union and then began their married life in Blue Island, Illinois. After having their first two children, they relocated to the small Chicago community of Hegewish, where they spent most of their married years. In 1999, Bernie retired from the railroad and they bought a home outside of Winamac, Indiana right on the Tippecanoe River. He enjoyed fishing, feeding the birds, and collecting gnomes. In June 2012 after 51 loving years, Norma passed away somewhat suddenly and Dad decided to move to Wisconsin to live with his daughter, Belinda's family. He spent the last 6 weeks with his children visiting him often and living with family.
Editor's Note: This obituary was provided by Schmidt & Bartelt funeral home. To view more Sussex obituaries, visit the obituaries page on Sussex Patch.