Arden “Butch” E. Bernhardt, age 87 of Clintonville, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at Aster Assisted Living, Clintonville.
Arden “Butch” Everett Bernhardt was born December 6, 1929 in Westfield, WI, the son of the late Rev. Hugo A. & Priscilla (Peper) Bernhardt. Butch graduated from De Pere High School and started working as a mechanic at a Studebaker garage in Appleton. In 1951, he enlisted in the Marines and served his country stateside as mechanic testing amphibious landing craft. Butch was honorably discharged in late 1953 and moved to Clintonville to work as a mechanic at the Chevrolet dealer, remaining there until 1984. He was united in marriage to Fern Habeck in Tilleda, WI on April 26, 1958. His love and devotion for his wife was something very evident to friends and family; it was this trait that made their relationship so special. He will always be thought of as a mechanic, but Butch also worked as a bus driver, as well as a Deputy Sheriff for Waupaca County for over 40 years. He took pride in his work at every job or task to which he gave his time. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, Clintonville, where he served in multiple ways. In his later years, Butch liked to work on his 1951 Studebaker which was his daily driver in good weather up until recently. He also liked woodworking, feeding the birds, squirrels and ducks; and also built and flew kites nearly all his life. He loved to attend all of the grandchildren’s sporting events and also enjoyed taking long road trips with Fern and the rest of the family. He will be remembered as a great role model who always showed humility, and was a respected, active member of our community.
Survivors include: daughter: Lori Jepson & (Dale Berndt), Clintonville; son: Steven (Sheila) Bernhardt, Cedarburg; grandchildren: Travis (Danielle) Lester, Keith (Stephanie) Lester, Justin Jepson, Stephanie Jepson, & Stacy Jepson; great-granddaughter: Everly Lester. Arden was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Fern; a son, Lee; a brother, Laurent; & a sister, Dorothy Adams.
Memorial services will be held 11 am Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at the United Methodist Church, Clintonville, with Rev. Ann Bullis officiating. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 664, American Legion Post 63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, all of Clintonville.
Friends may call at the church from 9 AM until the time of the service. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting his family.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com