Patricia Rose Bernhardt

Patricia “Pat” Rose Bernhardt
Patricia “Pat” Bernhardt went into the arms of her Heavenly Father on August 29, 2015, after her earthly battle with ovarian cancer.
Pat was born on May 31, 1942 to Lucille & Wilmer Korth in Pipersville, WI. She grew up in Watertown, WI, along with her mother and two siblings, Ron and Sandy. She attended St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and School in Watertown for her elementary years, and from there went to Northwestern Preparatory School (Class of 1960).
She attended Northwestern College for two years to learn classical languages for archaeological studies. She continued her studies at UW Milwaukee, followed by DMLC in New Ulm, MN, where she received an emergency call to teach elementary school at St. Paul Lutheran in Wonewoc, WI. After serving in Wonewoc, she taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Richwood, WI. She later taught upper-grade elementary at Mount Lebanon in north Milwaukee.
She married her best friend, William “Bill” Bernhardt on June 12, 1965 at her home church, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI. And they began their beautiful journey of 50 years together. . .
The two moved to Salem, Oregon, where Bill had received a call to serve as the pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and Pat was the organist. Their two daughters, Amanda “Mandi” and Elisa “Elli,” were among the many blessings they received throughout their nine years in Oregon.
In 1977, they moved back to the Midwest, after Bill accepted a call to serve at Divine Peace Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI. Pat, along with being a homemaker, volunteered within the church doing many various tasks, as well as working as Office Manager alongside Bill for several years.
After almost 34 years at Divine Peace, Pat and Bill retired to Waukesha, WI. Together they enjoyed going out for lunch, music concerts, thrift store shopping, gardening, spending time with family and friends, and sharing their faith.
Pat was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, grandma, and friend. She is survived by her husband Bill Bernhardt; her two children: Mandi (Jeff) of Mukwonago WI, and Elli (Paul) of Kohler WI; her five grandchildren: Mitchell, Allyson, Bennett, Pierce, and Bryce; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother Lucille Korth, and her sister Sandra Maass.
She was a beautiful example of strength and humility combined as God’s faithful servant. Her contagious smile and laughter lit up our lives, and will continue to shine in our hearts until we see her again in our Heavenly Home.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
A memorial gathering will be held Friday, September 11th at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1052 White Rock Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186.
Visitation will begin at 2pm, followed by a memorial service at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to WELS Missions and Luther Prep School.
Pat’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Heartland Hospice, and Froedtert doctors and staff for their tremendous compassion, care, and respect.