Obituaries

Madison, WI - Bernard Monroe Main (Bernie), age 91, passed away unexpectedly after a short illness at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, WI on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

Born November 28, 1932, near Troy Mills, Iowa, Bernie was the fourth of 5 children born to Richard C Main and Minny M (Patterson) Main.

Excelling in school, he graduated top of his class and chose to attend Iowa State College. While there, Bernie met his future wife, Eleanore Jane Sparks, and they were married, in Ames, on September 16, 1956. They were together over 60 years, until her passing in 2016.

Upon graduation as a Civil Engineer, Bernie and Eleanore settled in Madison, where he worked primarily as a soils engineer for the Wisconsin Highway Department. Over the next 31 years Bernie helped construct most of the bridges and highways in the southern part of the state.

Bernie was a devoted husband and father. A devout Christian, he served as a church Deacon, Elder, and Treasurer for many years. Bernie was quite adept at carpentry, home repairs, and auto mechanics, and in later years loved reading, old TV shows, and game shows.

Bernie is survived by two sons, John (Anne) Main and Daniel Main; 3 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Arlene Main; brother-in-law James (Kay) Sparks; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and siblings.

Interment and a brief service will be held on Friday, August 30th, 2024, at 2:00 pm, in the Garden of Devotion at Sunset Memory Gardens in Madison.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to your favorite charity in memory of Bernie Main, as God’s charity was his first best purpose.