Bernard Peter WALDKIRCH

Eltern: August und Barbara Lettner

(parents: August and Barbara Lettner)

The Green Bay Press Gazette, Green Bay , Wisconsin, April 12, 2007

Dr. Bernard (Bernie) Waldkirch, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, died on April 10, 2007, at age 89 at his home. Bernie was a family physician who practiced privately in De Pere, Wisconsin, for more than four decades. His life began in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin , when parents August and Barbara (Lettner) Waldkirch welcomed him into the world. He attended Messmer High School and received both his undergraduate degree and medical degree at Marquette University. During World War II, he served as a Captain in the Army Medical Corp in Japan and the Philippines.

On June 8, 1948, he married Louise Lindrud at St. John the Evangelist Church in Green Bay, Brown County, Wisconsin His brother, Father Herb Waldkirch, officiated at the ceremony. From this loving, faith-filled marriage, nine children were born.

Bernard's memberships in various organizations are too numerous to list exhaustively, but some bear mention. For as long as he was a resident of De Pere, he was an active member of the St. Mary Catholic Community, where he served as a lector and a Eucharistic minister. He was also a member of the American Medical Association, the American Legion, the Third- and Fourth- Degree Knights of Columbus, the Brown County Medical Society, and the Wisconsin State Medical Society until his retirement. In 1993, the Wisconsin State Medical Society awarded Bernie with a distinguished citation for his 40-plus years of service as a physician.

Bernie had a lifelong love for hunting with his Brittany spaniels, fishing, camping, golfing, cross-country skiing, reading, traveling, and learning. He was an avid Packers fan. In recent years, Bernie enjoyed spending time with the Green Bay Retired Men's Club and his Golf/Lunch Gang.

Bernie leaves behind many who cherish his life on earth. He is survived by his wife, Louise; his children, Mary Sue (Phil) Burgess, Barbara (Brian) Koblinski, Therese Waldkirch, Jane Waldkirch, Heidi (Russ Jelinek) Waldkirch, Mary Lisa (Dean) Tilley, Mark (Lisa) Waldkirch, and Tom (Karen) Waldkirch; his daughter-in-law, Young Hee Lee Waldkirch; 12 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, including special nieces and nephews, Jeanne (Scott) Szarkowicz, John (Cathy) Mettner, Joe (Michelle) Mettner, Julie (Wayne) Kudick, and Ellen, Mary, and Susan Maronek; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his youngest son, James; grandson, Andrew; three brothers and four sisters; and dear in-laws Therese and Robert Mettner and Helen Lindrud.

The wake will be held at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., DePere from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m., which will conclude the visitation. Visitation will be at St. Mary Catholic Community, Pope John XXIII Circle, off Sportsman Dr., Town of Ledgeview, on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 with the Mass of Christian Burial immediately following. The Rev. John H. Harper will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, De Pere.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established memorial funds in Bernie's name for the St. Mary Catholic Community, the Norbertine Order of St. Norbert College, and for St. Vincent's Hospital.

The family wishes to give special acknowledgement to Father Jack Harper, Dr. William Reynders, and Unity Hospice. Thank you for your wonderful compassionate care.

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