Edward H Bernthal

Ed Bernthal, age 96 of Waupun, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at the Christian Home in Waupun.

Edward H. Bernthal was born in Frankenmuth, MI on April 3, 1923. He attended St. Lorenz Lutheran Elementary School and graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, MI in 1941. Ed attended Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL graduating with a B.S. in Education in 1946. On December 28, 1947, he was united in marriage to Bernice Michalk in Galveston, TX.

He served at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Galveston, TX as a teacher and principal and music director from 1946-1956, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Racine, WI as teacher and director of music from 1956-1972. During this time he received an M.A. in Education Degree from Concordia College, River Forest, IL in 1963.

Ed was called to Pella Lutheran Church in Waupun, as director of education and music in 1972, where he served until his retirement in 1988. He continued to serve in a volunteer capacity in an ermeritus status.

Ed lived a Christian life of love and service to his family, friends, community and to those in need all over the world. His community activities included; Chairman of the Dodge County Salvation Service Unit, member of the Waupun Clergy Group, Coordinator of the annual CROP Hunger Walk, member and former president of the Waupun Kiwanis Club.

Ed is survived by one daughter, Carol Bernthal of Port Townsend, WA; four sons, John (Nancy) Bernthal of Valparaiso, IN, James Bernthal (Gail Mitchell) of Seattle, WA, Timothy (Judy Tyson) Bernthal of Seattle, WA and Thomas (Marjorie Wood) Bernthal of Madison, WI; four grandchildren, Benjamin (Lisa Sullivan) Bernthal, Dan DiPrisco, Jamie Bernthal and Serena Bernthal-Jones; one great-grandchild, Holly DiPrisco; two brothers, Frederick (Shirley) Bernthal and Herbert (Frances) Bernthal; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard (Agnes) Bernthal; wife, Bernice Bernthal; sister, Lorine (Conzelman) Bernthal; two brothers, Arnold (Doris) Bernthal and Wilmar (Lorna) Bernthal.

Visitation for Ed will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, April 8, 2019, at Kohls Community Funeral Home, 405 West Main Street. From 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. a time for Music and Memories will be held at the funeral home.

A funeral service for Ed will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Pella Lutheran Church, 315 South Madison Street, Waupun. Pre service music will be played at 10:40 A.M.

A memorial fund has been directed to CROP-Church World Services in Ed’s name.

Kohls Community Funeral Home is assisting the family.