Seventh Generation

36. Arnold Elmer BERNHARDT was born on 4 September 1909 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.^47,77 He appeared in the census in 1910 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.¹¹ He appeared in the census in 1920 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.²² Arnold appeared in the census in 1930 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁶ He was living with his parents. He died on 13 January 2010 at the age of 100 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.^77,78

Obituary Notes: "Arnold Bernhardt, age 100, of Tomah, WI, passed on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at his home. He was born Sept. 4, 1909, in Tomah, to August and Emma Bernhardt.

As a young man, Arnold worked many jobs, on threshing crews, cutting railroad ties, doing masonry and farming. Together with his brothers, he enjoyed playing various instruments, including the fiddle, banjo, pump organ and concertina. They played at house parties and barn dances.

In 1934, he married Minnie Parlow at Pastor Schaller’s home in Tomah. They worked together on a rental farm and welcomed their daughter, Marcella, into their family in 1940. In 1949, they moved to the farm where they would be for the remainder of their lives. Arnold farmed until his retirement in 1976.

Arnold was an avid fisherman, gardener, hunter and berry picker. He and Minnie went fishing whenever the weather allowed, often having their limit before the day had barely begun. Arnold was especially proud of the melons he grew in their garden and drove Minnie around when they sold their produce to folks in town. He always let Minnie do the dealing. Arnold took to the woods after squirrel and rabbits and fared well on his hunts as he was a good shot. Arnold picked more than his share of berries over the years, raspberries, blackcaps and blueberries. He knew some of them would end up in a pie, which always tasted like more.

Arnold greatly enjoyed the outdoors, and was familiar with all the birds and animals that came around the farm. He fed the birds all year and shared his knowledge of the birds with others. He most enjoyed the birds from the porch, where he also watched the activity on neighboring farms.

Playing cards with friends and family was a favorite evening pastime. Favorite games included penny ante poker, euchre, and pfeiffer. Arnold always seemed to hold the ace or trump card needed to take the trick. Arnold loved to visit with family and friends, sharing stories and many good laughs.

He is survived by his daughter, Marcella (Terry) Ortman, of Madison; granddaughters, Karla (Bill Klase) Ortman, of Rhinelander and Linnea (Mitch) Arnold of Sun Prairie; great-grandsons, Greyson Arnold and Sullivan Arnold, both of Sun Prairie, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He leaves behind his long-time feline companions, Louie and Weazie.

Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Minnie (Parlow) Bernhardt; his parents, August and Emma Bernhardt; and his siblings and their spouses, Herb (Mabel) Bernhardt, Martha (Ben) Sohn, Lillian (Art) Kindt, Bill (Elsie) Bernhardt, Ed (Erma) Bernhardt, Leo (Emma) Bernhardt, and Gilbert (Leona) Bernhardt.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the staff of Comprehensive Nursing Services who cared for Arnold at his home over the last 3½ years. Arnold was especially fond of his caregivers and enjoyed their company very much. Thanks also go to the pastors and staff of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church for their many visits and support of Arnold. Finally, much gratitude goes out to the staff of Tomah Hospital’s Palliative Care and Hospice Touch, for the care and services provided to Arnold and his family.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 16, 2 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Donald Buch officiated. Burial followed in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah. Family and friends called Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Following the funeral services, family and friends were invited for a luncheon at the Tee Pee Supper Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Tomah Hospice Touch."

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He was buried on 16 January 2010.

Arnold Elmer BERNHARDT and Minnie Laura PARLOW were married on 21 November 1934 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.^31,37,79 Minnie Laura PARLOW, daughter of Rudolph August PARLOW and Ida Matilda ZILLMER, was born on 30 November 1914 in Cataract, Little Falls Township, Monroe County, WI.^13,37,79 She died on 11 June 2006 at the age of 91 in Monroe County, WI.^13,79

Obituary Notes: "Minnie Bernhardt, age 91, of Tomah, WI, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2006, at The Serenity House. She was born on Nov. 30, 1914, to Rudolph and Ida Parlow in Cataract, WI.

Minnie was married to Arnold Bernhardt on Nov. 21, 1934, at Pastor Schaller’s home in Tomah. In 1940, they welcomed their daughter, Marcella, to the family. Minnie worked on the farm alongside Arnold until his retirement in 1976. She maintained a large raspberry patch and garden and took great pride in the wonderful berries and vegetables grown there. Minnie enjoyed selling her produce in town, as it was always met with great praise and demand.

Minnie loved to fish and would never pass up an opportunity to do so. She and Arnold regularly had their limit before many had arisen for the day. She was a competitive fisherwoman and kept her special fishing spots a secret.

She was also a true card shark, enjoying such games as Penny Ante Poker, Pinochle, Euchre and Pfeiffer. Minnie was unbeatable at checkers and Chinese checkers as well.

Crocheting and quilting were favorite winter pastimes. Minnie made numerous quilts over the years, crazy quilts being a favorite. These quilts have kept her family warm and cozy and will continue to for many years to come.

Before they were married, Arnold played banjo and other instruments at house parties. It is said that Minnie could really cut a rug. In her role as Gramma, she entertained her granddaughters by giving them wheelbarrow rides around the farm, or taking them fishing at Stelter’s Pond. Many summer hours were also spent picking blueberries and blackberries, which Minnie canned or made into pies.

She is survived by her husband, Arnold, of Tomah; her daughter, Marcella (Terry) Ortman, of Madison; granddaughters, Karla (Bill Klase) Ortman, of Rhinelander, and Linnea (Mitch) Arnold, of Madison; great-grandson, Greyson Arnold, Madison; a sister, Esther Matzke, of Delafield; a sister-in-law, Angie Parlow, of Crestwood, IL, and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Minnie was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Ida Parlow; brothers, Vernon (Amelia), Herman (Iona), Marvin (Edna), Elmer, Lewis; a sister, Elsie (Elmer) Tenner; and a brother-in-law, Edward Matzke.

Special thanks are extended to Shannon Tesar, who cared for Minnie at home over the last year, and to a special niece, Sandra Chroninger, who spent many hours by her side in Minnie’s final days. Her family is most grateful for the love and care they extended to Minnie.

A service of remembrance was held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, with burial following in Oak Grove Cemetery. Family and friends were invited to the Bernhardt residence after services for fellowship and a light meal. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to The Serenity House in Tomah. The Torkelson Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Heb. 13:5-6"

Arnold Elmer BERNHARDT and Minnie Laura PARLOW had the following children: