Fifth Generation

163. Bernard Alan "Bernie" WAEGE was born on 17 October 1947 in Sparta, Sparta Township, Monroe County, WI.^1,36 He appeared in the census in 1950 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.¹²⁸ He was confirmed on 4 June 1961 in Ridgeville Township, Monroe County, WI.³⁶ at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. After 1992 Bernie was an owner of the Leon Valley Camp Ground in Sparta, Sparta Township, Monroe County, WI.³²⁵ He died on 17 January 2012 at the age of 64 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.³²⁹ Obituary Notes: "Bernard A. Waege, 64, of Sparta, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, in Tomah. He was born Oct. 17, 1947, to Harold and Doris (Pergande) Waege in Sparta. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridgeville. He attended the Hillcrest and Ridgeville county schools and was a member of the Tomah High School graduating class of 1965.

On Oct. 4, 1969, Bernard was united in marriage to JoAnn Olson at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wilton. Bernard farmed most of his life, first with his brother Bill in the town of Ridgeville and in the town of Leon from 1969 to 1994. He was the owner and operator of Waege Electric, which was a motor repair and electrical shop.

Bernard established the Leon Valley Campground in 1988, and in 1991 the state of Wisconsin recognized it as an official campground. He was always finding ways to make the camping outings special for the little campers with tractor rides and spooky trails. Bernard was quick-witted and loved to share a good joke or two. He was a simple man who enjoyed an evening fire and a Mountain Dew. He enjoyed his Chevy trucks and International Harvester tractors.

He had a large, giving heart and always was willing to lend a helping hand to others. Most important to Bernard were his family and his adorable grandchildren. Time spent at Grandpa Waege’s house always included a special tractor ride on Grandpa’s lap or a handmade gift. The grandchildren especially enjoyed the playhouse he had made for them. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

He is survived by his wife JoAnn; two children, Benjamin (Christina) Waege and Carri (Nick) Ard, both of Sparta; three grandchildren, Lauren, Jude and Mackenzie and an expected grandson; two brothers, William and Bruce, both of Tomah; two brothers-in-law, Duane (Sharon) Olson of Wilton and Gary (Yvonne) Olson of Camp Douglas; three sisters-in-law, Arlene (Eugene) Greeno of Camp Douglas, Shirley (Thomas) Jahn of West Bend and Cherlyn (Don) Moseley of Warrens; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law, Marlys; and a brother-in-law, Larry Olson.

Relatives and friends paid respects on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, from 4-8 p.m. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., Tomah. Private family funeral services will be held at a later date."

He was cremated.

Bernard Alan "Bernie" WAEGE and Joanna Alice "JoAnn" OLSON were married on 4 October 1969 in Kendall, Glendale Township, Monroe County, WI.^325,330 Joanna Alice "JoAnn" OLSON, daughter of Chester Hans OLSON and Agnes Mary THAYER, was born on 20 November 1950 in Sparta, Sparta Township, Monroe County, WI.³²⁵

Bernard Alan "Bernie" WAEGE and Joanna Alice "JoAnn" OLSON had the following children: