Donald Bernards

Donald Bernards

November 03, 1948 - March 20, 2025

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Obituary

DeForest – Donald D. “Don” “Brillo” Bernards, age 76, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Madison, surrounded by his family. Don was born in Madison, Wisconsin on November 3, 1948, the son of Donald and Merle (Rabe) Bernards. Don graduated from Madison East High School in 1966. He served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. On March 27, 1971, Don married Debra (Peterson) Bernards at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. He worked for Webcrafters for over 40 years until his retirement.

Don was a jokester right up until he passed. He knew how to make people laugh. He was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed hunting. Don had a tremendous love for his family, and he will be greatly missed by all.

Don is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Debra; his two children, Jennifer Ray and Joshua Bernards; two grandsons, Jordan (Jenn) Ray and Tyler (Lexi Lois) Ray; great granddaughter, Ryder Ray; his parents, Donald and Merle Bernards; two brothers, Gerald (Karen) Bernards and Jeff (Penny) Bernards; and other nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the VA Hospital ICU for all their wonderful care and support they provided to Don. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Don’s name to the VA Hospital.

As per Don’s wishes, no services will be held. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

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SB
Steve & Brenda Bernards
Other •
Brenda and I are so sorry to hear about your loss! We offer our sympathies Beyond what words can express! He will be missed by everyone who he knew and I only hope that you can feel Comfort by cherishing and hanging on to the memories that he left for all of us!! I only wish he would have shared some more of his fishing hot spots with me lol
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Nancy Thompto
Other •
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a quiet man with a big smile & warm heart. We are so sorry we did not spend more time with him in the past years but love the memories of growing up when the family was all together. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for his family. Dustin & Nancy Thompto
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Kathi and Ken Busse
Other •
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of cousin Don. He will be missed. Prayers for him & the family. May he rest in peace
PB
Penny Bernards
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Don always said that whatever he receives, it is for the kids. He never asked for prayers for himself but was grateful whenever prayers offered for his kids. He was always generous, leaving his home open for kids and grandkids over the years. He also had his fish stories too! I will continue to think of him and his family in my prayers. Penny
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Kathi and Ken Busse
Other •
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of our cousin Don. The fun memories of family gatherings & good time. He will be missed. Prayers for him & his family
J
Jane
Other •
Don took time to talk to me on one of my hardest days. He gave me advice that I've thought back on over the years and passed on to others. He had a great kindness in him. My parents had a great respect for him, thought he was a good man. I do too. Prayers to the family for strength through this hard time.

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