Bernie Buresh

DENMARK - By Bernie’s estimation, everything was done “good enough” and he was ready for his next adventure when he passed away peacefully – and with a final smile - on Friday, October 20, 2023 at The Unity Meng Residence in De Pere, Wisconsin, at the age of 80.

Bernard (Bernie) Anthony Buresh was born in Green Bay on June 13, 1943 to John and Catherine Buresh. He grew up on the family farm in Eaton where he forged a love of the land and a lifelong bond with his six siblings. To this day, some of his favorite moments were spent sitting at the picnic table to take in the serenity of his own farm and gathering with his siblings to celebrate each other’s birthdays. Dad’s 80th this past June was certainly a special one.

In true farm fashion, he literally bloomed where he was planted and never lived more than 10 miles from his home. Bernie was a proud graduate of Premontre High School in Green Bay, Class of 1961. Upon graduation, he immediately entered the workforce, first at Lake to Lake and then Brice Bricklaying before he found his lifelong calling in the world of excavating. He worked for Bielinski Excavating as a heavy equipment operator for more than 35 years. Even though he drove truck and plowed snow, his favorite role was being a Caterpillar Operator.

He met the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Bielinski and they were married on August 21, 1965 at All Saints Church in Denmark. Over their 58 years of marriage, they carried on their families’ farming and excavating legacies, and built a life that included three spirited children and a hobby farm with one of the most unique collection of animals, including pigs, cows, calves, turkeys, a goose that drank oil and goats (with horns painted orange by Dad for ease of locating in the snow.)

Bernie was legendary in many ways. He will always be remembered as an excavating guy and a hobby farmer, jobs that allowed him to dig holes, play in the dirt, eat lunch fast and take a nap at noon. Many knew it was Dad on the jobsite if you drove by and saw the operator with his hat tipped and eyes closed for a “Cat Nap.” He was a good neighbor who was always willing to lend a hand and start up a conversation. He was always willing to listen. As best said by a dear neighbor and friend, he wanted more for people than from people.

It was rare to find Dad without his suspenders, work hat, and his multi-purpose pocketknife at the ready. Whether it was for animal husbandry or slicing an apple, the same knife would suffice! When he retired in 2005, he exchanged his Caterpillar for a four-wheeler, allowing him to take daily rides to check on crops, get the mail, and tend to his garden, which became a great source of pride, especially his fruit trees. This year’s peach crop was one of his finest.

Dad enjoyed bowling and beer (and not in that order) in his younger years, playing cards with friends and family, platska (sauerkraut cookies), travelling with Mom to all 50 states on their bus tours with friends and family; Sunday check-in phone calls with his siblings; trips to the casino with his son-in-law, being a constant presence and source of entertainment for his grandchildren, and watching Polka, Polka, Polka.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Pat; three children, Cathy (Ken “Shorter”) Boucher, Denmark; Terri (Jeff) Schilling, Delafield; and Bill (Candy) Buresh, Denmark; six grandchildren, Matthew and Julia Schilling; Katelyn, Jacqueline, Brooklynn and Samantha Buresh and one great granddaughter, Everly Buresh.

Additionally, he is survived by his brothers and sister, Elwin (Woody) Buresh; Dorothy Blazei; Jim Buresh (Laura); Bob Buresh (special friend Kaye); Joe Buresh (Mona); Frank Buresh (Mary); two brothers-in-law, Milton Bielinski and Jim (MaryJo) Bielinski; godson Greg Bielinski and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors he adored and the coffee clutches at Basil’s II and the company (along with the Old Fashioneds) at Suster’s.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Catherine Buresh, father and mother-in-law, Walter and Clara Bielinski, sisters- and brother-in-law, Gail Bielinski, Kathy Buresh, and Ray Blazei; nephews Richard Buresh, Daniel Buresh and godson Andrew Buresh.

Family and friends may call Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 9:30 to 11:15 AM at All Saints Parish, Denmark. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM with the Very Rev. William O’Brien celebrating. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.

No flowers, please. Dad loved trees and we look forward to planting a small grove on the family farm in his memory. We already have a spot selected.

A special thank you to Mary and the entire staff at Unity along with his daughter-in-law, Candy for the loving care and respect shown to Dad when he needed it most, along with family and friends for their continued love and support; Dawn at McDonald’s for serving coffee with cream on the bottom; and the late Clara Goesel, along with everyone Dad encountered while snowplowing (you know who you are!) Your friendship and support provided the “shot” of support he needed on those long, cold, wintery days. Bless you all.