Phyllis Bernhardt

Phyllis Elizabeth Bernhardt, age 92, of Cassville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home surrounded by her family. She was born on January 11, 1923, at Patch Grove, the daughter of Matthew and Catherine (McDermott) Nies. She went to school in Patch Grove and attended college at the University of Wisconsin at Platteville and graduated in the teaching profession. On July 5, 1945, Phyllis married John M. Bernhardt.

Phyllis was a wonderful and caring wife, mother, and teacher. She taught grade school in Cassville for over forty years and then was a teacher's aide and tutor for over fourteen years. Phyllis loved teaching and cared deeply for her students making sure they got the best education possible. She was an active member of the NCCW and a longtime member of St. Charles Catholic Church, where she and her husband gave of their time and talent.

Survivors include her husband of 69 years, John; daughter, Mary Ila (Chris) Esser, Cassville; her sons: Mark (Eva) Bernhardt, Moline, IL; Lawrence (Donna) Bernhardt, Cassville; Robert (Sue) Bernhardt, Cassville; Joe (Kris) Bernhardt, Lacrosse; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Bernadine (Edward-deceased) Stroede, Wisconsin Dells; sisters-in-law: Madonna (Lawrence-deceased) Nies, Onalaska; Jane (Dr. Bernard-deceased) Bernhardt, Cassville; Rosemary (Gerald-deceased) Dresen, Lancaster; brother-in-law, Gilbert "Gib" (Ilene-deceased) Kruser, Kieler; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, seven sisters, eight brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.

A Wake Service was held on Saturday, April 4, 2015, at 12:00 noon at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville with Father John Meinholz officiating. Burial was at a later date. Family and friends called on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, April 6, 2015. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials will be donated to charitable organizations of the family's choice. Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cassville is serving the family.