Bernard Bucheger, 95, formerly of Oconomowoc, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at Flambeau Hospital, Park Falls, WI, with his family at his side.  He had resided at Park Manor Nursing Home in Park Falls for the past three years.

Bernie was born November 13, 1919, in the Town of Peeksville, in Ashland County, WI, the son of Leopold and Theresa (Schuster) Bucheger.  He was married on November 26, 1947, to Stella Miller in Butternut, WI.  She preceded him in death on December 13, 2006, and he has missed her every day since.

He spent most of his working career as a cement finisher in Milwaukee and was a member of Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Union Local 599 for 62 years.  He officially retired at the age of 62, but continued doing side jobs until he was 80 years old.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6436, and belonged to St. Bruno’s Catholic Church in Dousman.  He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan, loved playing cards and reading westerns.

He is survived by his five children - Karen (Dennis) Rose of Osseo, WI, Diane (Edgar) Beay of Dousman, WI, Jean (Jeff Gray) Norton of Neosho, WI, Patti Baxter and Gary (Elizabeth) Bucheger, both of Oconomowoc; one brother – Robert (Luana) of Butternut, WI, one sister – Teresa Mader of Park Falls, WI, one sister-in-law – Dorothy Wolf of Glidden, WI; ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

He was also preceded in death by his son, Neil, in 1971; his parents; his brothers Henry (Mary Ann), Edward (Louise), Leo, and Paul (Florence); his sisters Margaret (Felix) DeCaire, Josephine (Henry) Hilgers, Marie (Ray) Englebreth, Gertrude (George) Moseler (Merle) Gisch and Catherine (Julian) Warren; and a brother-in-law Charles Mader.

A Mass in celebration of Bernie’s life will be held at 11 am Friday, March 6, at St. Bruno’s Catholic Church, Dousman, WI, with Father Ralph Gross officiating.  Friends may call from 4 until 8 pm on Thursday, March 5, at Schmidt Bartelt Funeral Home in Oconomowoc, WI, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.  Burial will be at St. Joan of Arc Cemetery in Oconomowoc.