Obituaries

Donald Duane Bernards

November 03, 1948 - March 20, 2025

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Obituary For Donald Duane Bernards

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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Condolences

  • March 23, 2025

    Barb Snyder

  • March 23, 2025

    Barb Snyder

  • March 23, 2025

    Barb Snyder

    I am so sorry to hear about Don. My sympathy and prayers go out to the family. I will always remember him as little Don and all camping ,vacations, and all the fun times we had growing up. It was nice to see him and talk to him at Uncle Don and Aunt Sis 75th Anniversary . He will be missed. Cousin Barb

  • March 22, 2025

    Joan Schroeder

    I am so sorry for your loss, Debby. Praying for sweet memories to comfort you and your family. Hugs.

  • March 22, 2025

    Dave Bube

    Loved having cocktails at busses with Don and Deb and Josh.miss those days.Don was always positive about things he will be missed

  • March 22, 2025

    Jane

    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.

  • March 22, 2025

    Kathi and Ken Busse

    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

  • March 21, 2025

    Penny Bernards

    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

  • March 21, 2025

    Kathi and Ken Busse

    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

  • March 21, 2025

    Nancy Thompto

    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

  • March 21, 2025

    Steve & Brenda Bernards

    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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what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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