Bernard "Bernie" J. Denk

Bernard “Bernie” J. Denk, 82, Athens, died Wednesday September 26, 2018 at his home, surrounded by his loving family under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.  Bernie was born April 24, 1936 to the late Joseph and Katherine (Bangart) Denk in Athens. He married Mary Viegut on August 11, 1973 in Athens. They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

Bernie graduated from Athens High School in 1955.  Bernie served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959. He earned his Master Plumbers License and was a skilled plumber.

His grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life.  He loved them so much.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He has many trophy deer that he is very proud of.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; son, Michael (Stina) Denk, Dorchester; daughter, Elizabeth (Daniel) Luedtke, Oak Creek; four grandchildren, Brooke, Brendan, Noah and Owen; two sisters-in-law, Germaine (Les) Huebner, Wausau and Barbara (Larry Bloch) Viegut, Athens, Godson & Nephew, Kyle (Christine) Huebner and Layla; Samantha (Ray Yessa) Viegut, Athens, brother, Eugene (Cassie) Denk, Athens and their children, Stacey and Joelle; sister, Marie (John) Seymour, Washington, Iowa and their children Kevin and Mark (deceased).

A Funeral Prayer Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. Rev. George Graham will preside. Friends and family may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Veteran honors will be presented by the Athens Area Veterans.

Burial will be at Athens Village Cemetery at a later date.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Aspirus Hospice and to a special niece, Samantha Viegut and daughter-in-law, Stina Denk, for all their extra special loving care given to Bernie during his illness.   The children want to give their mom an extra special thank you for taking such good care of their dad so he could be in his home until God called him to heaven.

Until we see you later – goodbye - and we love and miss you so much already.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.