Bernard J. Trepes of Mauston passed away Oct. 28, 2009, at Fair View Nursing Home.
He was born Aug. 10, 1921, to Joseph and Mayme Trepes of Kendall.
Bernard spent time with family on the farm until entering the service in January 1943. He spent time in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and European Theater. He was a heavy-duty truck driver, carrying supplies and troops. He received the Bronze Medal, the Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Theater ribbon with three bronze stars, two overseas service bars, one service stripe and the Good Conduct Medal.
After completing his military service in February 1946, he found work in the Milwaukee area. He attended Milwaukee Vocational School for blue print reading, power plant engineering and low-pressure boiler operator. He attended Marquette University for plumbing and heating foreman classes.
Bernard’s big passion was fishing; many times he had his catch of fish smoked so he could give it to friends.
His second hobby was model railroads. He had many books, trains and VCR tapes on railroads from around the world.
He also loved to find out the gas prices around the area and tell folks where to buy the cheaper fuel.
Bernard enjoyed picking strawberries, blueberries and grapes to give to folks he knew. He delivered Meals on Wheels at the senior center, helped people travel to doctor appointments in Marshfield and Madison and took people to the Madison airport. When the gymnasium at St. Patrick’s School was renovated, Bernard was there to help.
Bernard is survived by his sisters, Mary Gernetzke of Kendall, Dorothy Betthauser of Mauston and Rita (Wayne) Burdick of Mauston; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Herb Betthauser, a niece Kathy Betthauser, nephew Paul Betthauser and brother-in-law Elmer Gernetzke.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Oct. 31, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Graveside services were at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Kendall, with military rites.
