Bernard "Bernie" Jay Brende

Cambria:

Bernard “Bernie” Jay Brende, age 58 of Cambria died Monday, November 6, 2023 at SSM-St. Mary’s Hospital in Janesville under the care of SSM Health At Home Hospice.

Bernie was born the youngest child of Herbert K. and Frances (Jandl) Brende on Feb. 14, 1965 in La Crosse, WI. Bernie spent 30 years erecting and maintaining cell phone towers. He was the only one he knew who could climb the 1500 foot towers. In 2022, he was forced into early retirement following his cancer diagnosis. Bernie was an avid fisherman, starting at the age of 3 on Lake Onalaska where he dug his own worms from the garden. The last time he fished was summer of 2023 in Cambria. Bernie loved playing pool, cards and deer hunting. He was a sports fan, especially the Packers, Steelers and Brewers.

Bernie is survived by his mother, Frances Brende; his children, Samantha, Heather and Alexander Brende; his sister, Janel Williams; his brother, Phillip Brende; his best friend, Victoria Rude; his four nephews, Brett, Brian, Randy and Kiel; other relatives and friends.

Bernie was preceded in death by his father, his grandparents and brother-in-law.

A private family inurnment service will be held in the Cambria Cemetery on Nov. 19, 2023 with Pastor Mark Hughey officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the UW Carbone Cancer Center or a charity of choice in memory of Bernard J. Brende.

The Kratz-Smedema Funeral Home in Cambria is serving the family. www.kratzfh.com.