William Bernhard

William Bernhard, 82, Topeka, passed away December 30, 2011. Bill was born April 1, 1929 in Cleveland OH the son of Karl and Mitzi (Fell) Bernhard. In 1932 Bill and his family returned to Germany and lived there for several years. In November of 1946 he returned to the U.S. to retain his citizenship. Bill married Lois Nousek on May 26, 1951 in Cleveland OH at St. Procop Catholic Church. He was drafted into the US Army Air Force and served as a Corporal in the Korean War until 1953. After returning from his military service he began his apprenticeship at National Tool Industries. He also did an apprenticeship at Manufacturing Service Inc. and worked there for 20 years eventually he became Vice President and General Manager. In 1974 he relocated to Judd Industries and then in 1988 he became a founding partner, Vice President and Chief Operation Officer for Tech-Matic. Bill retired from Tech-Matic in 1995 and at that time Bill and Lois moved to Topeka to be closer to their family. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree and Christ the King Catholic Church. Bill was also a member of the National Tool and Machining Association, Cleveland Chapter; Schlaraffia, a German Literary Society; and Model Railroad Association. Bill was an Advanced Ham Operator and radio controlled aviation enthusiast. He was a member of Westlake RC Club (Ohio), Old Farts RC Club (Topeka), and Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Survivors include his wife, Lois Bernhard, Topeka; daughter, Deborah (Dr. Patrick) Sheehy; grandsons, Justin, Daniel and Brendan; sister, Liselotta Fell, Leimen, Germany and a nephew, Karl Victor Bernhard, San Dimas CA. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Karl George Bernhard. Visitation will be Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka KS 66614; where a Knights of Columbus Chalice ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. A parish rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 2 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th St. Topeka KS 66614. Burial will be at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Cleveland OH at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Cotton-O’Neil Cancer Center, Topeka or St. Richards Catholic Church North Olmsted OH sent in care of the funeral home.

William Bernhard

April 1, 1929 - January 1, 2012