Robert Stephen “Bob” Bernhardt, 84 of Yakima passed away April 13, 2024 at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was born March 26, 1940 in Flasher, North Dakota to Adam and Eva Bernhardt. He was the eldest of four children, working on the family farm. He joined the Army National Guard Reserves, met the love of his life, Lois Wittig and graduated in 1958 from Flasher High School They were married on July 16, 1960 in Mandan, North Dakota. He enlisted in the Army National Guard until 1964. He worked at service stations, before working at the Heskett Power Plant in Mandan. Bob and Lois had three children. They packed the family up and moved to Yakima, Washington arriving July 3, 1967. He worked for B & F Interiors for several years working as a hard-surface installer before he and his friend, Andy Fischer went into business together then branching out on his own starting Bernhardt’s Installation’s in the mid-70’s until he retired in 2007 when his son, Todd took over the business and continues his legacy today.
Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved fishing for walleye up at Bank’s Lake and Lake Roosevelt. He and Lois also enjoyed dancing especially to a good polka. Bob was a social butterfly and always had the “gift of gab”. He enjoyed talking to people, to know him, was to love him. He was a great leader, and very much a family man, whether it be spending time with family or cheering the grandkids on at sporting events. He was very loved and will be greatly missed! He was a member of the Holy Names Society at Holy Redeemer Church in Yakima for many years, and has been a member of Holy Family Catholic Church since 2007.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lois; daughter, Deborah Hurlburt (Doug) of Yakima; son, Todd Bernhardt (Pam) of Naches and daughter, Sherrie Leavitt of Apache Junction, AZ. Fifteen grandchildren: Stephanie MacCalla (Shane), Danielle Bernhardt, Ashley Casteneda (Manuel), Justin Bernhardt, Tiare MacCalla, Whitney Wilson (Ross), Kellie Bernhardt, Colby and Connor Leavitt, Gabe Faria (Breanna), Margaret Helberg (Zach), LeeAnne Jasmine (Scott), Collin, Brent and Mitchel Hurlburt; along with fifteen great-grandchildren Sisters: Caren VandenBurg (Peter) of Fargo, North Dakota and Nanette Morgan of Arizona; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his fur baby, Bailey who misses him terribly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Eva (Hopfauf) Bernhardt, brother, Richard Bernhardt, and multiple other family members.
Special thanks to friend, Pat Wahlquist from Holy Family Catholic Church for her friendship and spiritual support, bringing communion to Bob on many occasions and praying with him.
Visitation will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024. A committal service will be at Calvary Cemetery.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6