Bernard Pepowski

Bernard "Barney" Pepowski 91, died Saturday, July 10, 2004 at his home under the loving care of his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Kaye & Michael. He was born April 23, 1913 on the home farm in the town of Sharon, Portage County, near Shanty Town, the son of the late John and Mary (Singer) Pepowski. On October 24, 1937, he married Clara Schulist at St. Mary Catholic Church, Torun. She preceded him in death on February 6, 1971. Barney retired from the Milwaukee Railroad on January 1, 1977, where he had worked as a section laborer and foreman. Prior to that, he worked as a mechanic, carpenter and in the tool room at Marathon Electric, Wausau. He even made toothpicks at the local factory, but his favorite job was being the maintenance man at his son, Joe's restaurant "The Mint". Barney was a founding member of Holy Name parish, member of the Holy Name Society and helped with building the convent. He attended daily Mass after his retirement. Besides his many hobbies, like working in his workshop and upholstering, he enjoyed listening and dancing to polka music and visiting people in the local nursing homes. Barney especially enjoyed baking apple pies and chocolate chip cookies, which he generously gave away to family, friends and neighbors. Survivors include six daughters, Loretta (James) Stachowiak, Milwaukee; Ann Marie (James) Sulzer, Cedarburg; Joanne (Thomas) Haupt, Greendale; Patricia (John) Panosh, Wausau; Judith (Patrick) Lynch, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. and Mary Kaye (Michael) Laska, Wausau; one son, Joseph (Mary Beth) Pepowski, Wausau; 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Joseph Gyim-Austin will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. Tuesday until the time of services at the church. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Comfort Care & Hospice Services for the exceptional care given to our father. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth street is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com