Bernard J. Trepes
Bernard J. Trepes, 88, of Mauston, Wis., 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 of 1943. He spent time in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and the European Theater. He was a heavy duty truck driver carrying supplies and troops. He received the Bronze Medal, Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater ribbon with three bronze stars, two overseas service bars, one service stripe and Good Conduct Medal.
After completing his military service in February of 1946, he found work in the Milwaukee area. He attended the 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 having his catch of fish smoked so he could give them to friends. His second hobby was model railroads. He had many books, trains and VCR's 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 and helped people travel to doctor appointments in Marshfield, Madison and took people to the Madison airport. When the gym 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; niece, Kathy Betthauser; nephew, Paul Betthauser; and brother-in-law, Elmer Gernetzke.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Mauston, where friends may call from 9 a.m. until time of services. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Kendall with military rites.