Rev. William F. Bernhardt

Rev. William (Bill) Frederick Bernhardt was called by the grace of God to his eternal Home on April 14, 2018 at the age of 76. He was a beloved husband to Patricia Rose for 50 years; A loving father to Amanda (Jeff) Kohlmetz and Elisa (Paul) Bonack; An adored grandpa to Mitchell Kohlmetz, Allyson Rebholz, Bennett Kohlmetz, Pierce Bonack, and Bryce Bonack; A Dear brother to Karlene Williams, Ann Blish, Carl Bernhardt, and Cheryl Bass; Special to in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by parents Carl and Dorothy Bernhardt, wife Patricia Bernhardt, sisters-in-law Sandra Maass and Linda Bernhardt, brothers-in-law Wayne Myhre and Art Williams, nephews Drake Otto and Jordan Bass, and niece Kim Blish.
Bill was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on June 21, 1941, to Carl and Dorothy (Neff) Bernhardt. He was the second of five children (Karlene, William, Ann, Carl & Cheryl). He was baptized at Friedens Lutheran Church in Kenosha where he also attended grade school. He attended Northwestern Preparatory in Watertown for his high school years, and went on to Northwestern College to begin his pastoral studies, where he met Patricia Korth (a fellow Student).
He continued his studies at the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and he and Pat were married after his first year of the seminary on June 12, 1965, at St. Mark’s Lutheran in Watertown, Wisconsin.
During his vicar year, he served 14 months as a vacancy pastor for three congregations in North Dakota.
He graduated Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1968 and was called to be the first pastor of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon. The Lord blessed this congregation with a new church and parsonage, followed by tremendous growth. He also blessed Pastor Bernhardt and his wife with two children, Amanda and Elisa.
While in the Pacific Northwest District, Pastor Bernhardt served on the District Evangelism Committee, and as Chairman of the WELS Evangelism Committee.
In January of 1977, the Lord guided Pastor Bernhardt and his family to serve Him in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Divine Peace Lutheran Church, where God graciously blessed this congregation with a new church building, dedicated in July of 2000.
During his ministry at Divine Peace, Pastor Bernhardt was privileged to serve in various ways throughout the synod; he was on the Wisconsin Lutheran High School’s Board of Directors, he was the Music Coordinator and voice for the “Message from the Master” radio program, he was on the Board for World Missions (Japan, Europe, Asia Executive Committee), Secretary of the Executive Committee of the World Mission Board, and host of “The WELS Connection” video series for over 25 years.
After 44 years in the ministry, Pastor Bernhardt retired in October of 2010.
Throughout his retirement, he loved spending time with his wife, Pat. They enjoyed thrift store shopping, reading, concerts, traveling together, and the times spent with their children and grandchildren, especially their trips as a family to Florida.
On August 29, 2015, Bill lost his dear wife and best friend, Pat. He was so thankful for her time of grace, the memories he had, and the many blessings of their life together.
In July 2017, he was diagnosed with MAC (Mycobacterium Avium Complex), a bacterial lung infection which became terminal. Throughout even the most difficult times, he still maintained his humor, and he loved to make people smile. More importantly, he remained confident in God’s love and forgiveness, and the certainty of salvation through Jesus.
He cherished every last moment with his family, but was eagerly anticipating Heaven.
He lived his whole life looking forward to the day he’d see his Heavenly Father, and that day finally came for him on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Thanks be to God!
Pastor Bernhardt spent nearly his whole life sharing God’s Word when given the opportunity. He was God’s humble servant and a wonderful example of faith.
The family would like to thank you for your prayers, cards, texts, and emails with words of comfort.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 28th, from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1052 Whiterock Ave., Waukesha, followed by the Memorial service at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to WELS Missions appreciated.
“Well done, good and faithful Servant!” Matthew 25:21