Bernard B. Bleske

He was born April 14, 1948, in Eau Claire, the son of Bernard and Beatrice (Wangen) Bleske. He graduated from Regis High School (class of 1966).

Bernie married Sandra Lea Koenig on January 27, 1968, in Eau Claire. He spent 35 years in the optical industry, working for Soderberg Inc. and Lens Crafters. In 2005, he retired with his wife to Chetek on Prairie Lake.

He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Cameron, where he enjoyed singing in the church choir. He sang with the New Auburn Community Choir, as well. He enjoyed fishing, watching the wildlife, reading, and gourmet cooking. He was a loving husband and father, he took immense pride in his children and grandchildren, and he doted on his dogs. He had particular affection for people in less fortunate circumstances. He was a prankster in his early days and was later known as a masterful joke-teller and storyteller. His witty comments kept everyone laughing.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy, of 43 years; two sons, Benjamin (Sara) of St. Louis Park, MN and Mitchell (Erin) of Jackson, MS; two daughters, Carla (Matt) Loen of Eau Claire, WI and April (Phil) Bleske-Rechek of Altoona, WI; 10 grandchildren (and an eleventh on the way): Svea (9) and Bjorn (6) Bleske; Addison (8), Riley (6), and Morgan (4) Bleske; Max (9) and Emma (7) Loen; Samuel (10), Bernadette (7), and Josephine (5) Rechek. He is also survived by his brother, August (Kristina) Bleske of Chetek; four sisters: Patricia (Ronald) Bleskachek of Chippewa Falls, Marion (Bobby) Edwards of Chetek, Jeanne Dutter of Eau Claire, Barbara (Mike) Pope of Amery; his brother-in-law, Allen (Cheryl) Koenig of San Francisco, CA; many nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his family and close friends, including Sarah and Steve Lahner.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law, Allen and Vivian Koenig, as well as several nieces and nephews.

An open visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Sunday, August 28 at Burnham-Ours Funeral Home in Chetek. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 29 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Cameron, with visitation one hour prior to service and a luncheon to follow. Burial will be at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Chetek.