Bernard Eastlick

Bernard Eastlick, age 74, of West Chester, PA, formerly of Platteville, died November 21, 2017 at his home surrounded by family. He was born November 16, 1943 in Platteville to Purl and Lillie (Stanton) Eastlick, and was the youngest of ten children. He attended high school in Platteville and was very active in sports. Bernie loved competition, and was proud of his state track records and days of playing football.

One week in June 1961, Bernie raced in the state track meet on Thursday, graduated from high school on Friday, and married Joanne Cushman on Saturday. Over the next ten years, they had five children: Jauna, Jill, David, Julie, and Joanna. Bernie graduated from chef school in Madison, WI, and spent many years as a food director on University of Wisconsin campuses. He was known for his skillful work in ice carvings for banquets and special events. Later in his career, he transitioned to food sales and won many top salesman awards. Bernie had a real knack for connecting with people, and liked to visit and share stories with his customers. Busy working and raising five children, Bernie still found time for his real sports passion: fast-pitch softball. He had many fond memories of softball games and tournaments in Grant County, and became a local legend as a catcher for Livingston Creamery.

In 1987, Bernie married Karen (Faherty) Kramer, and they began a new life together in California. Bernie became stepfather to Karen’s two daughters, Angela and Stephanie. Bernie and Karen remained in California for the next 19 years, and enjoyed traveling and exploring their new home state. In 2006, they retired and moved to West Chester, PA. As he transitioned into retirement years, Bernie set a new goal: to attend as many events as he could for his 19 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He traveled to California, Utah, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, and Canada to watch their games, races, and performances. Love of family and feeling a part of each of their lives were always important to Bernie. He also enjoyed fellowship through his local church in Pennsylvania, Westminster Presbyterian, where he was an active member of the retired men’s group.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Karen; November 20, 2017 was their 30th wedding anniversary. He is survived by three daughters: Jauna (Greg) DuPratt, Julie (Curt) Conover, and Joanna (Jay) Stuckey; a son, David (Anna) Eastlick; two stepdaughters: Angela (Dan Sakura) Kramer, and Stephanie (Greg) Ladner; 19 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Dale (Cindy) Eastlick and three sisters: Carolyn Woodward, Ruth Eastlick, and Betty (Robert) Straight.

In addition to his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by his daughter, Jill Clayton; by four brothers: Earl, Leroy, Ralph, and Lyle; by one sister, Jean Charles; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Woodward; and three sisters-in-law: Ruby Eastlick, Shirley Eastlick, and Jean Eastlick.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville with Jon Eastlick officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Church Cemetery in Cornelia. Family and friends may call Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville, and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home on Saturday. A separate memorial service will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date. In lieu of plants and flowers, donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society, the ALS Foundation (alsawi.org), or the Mt. Zion Church in Cornelia. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville is entrusted with his services.