Bernard F. “Bernie” Cass
Madison:Bernard F. Cass, age 74, succumbed to esophageal cancer after a courageous three year battle on March 16, 2013 at home surrounded by family.
He was born September 8, 1938 in Madison, the son of Walter and Clara (Schipp) Cass. Bernie graduated from East High School in 1956. He served in the National Guard (1955-56) and the U.S. Air Force (1956-60). He was united in marriage to Margaret Olson in 1957. He retired from the U.S. Postal service after 26 years. Bernie was scout master of Boy Scout Troop 29, past president of Emerson’s P.T.O., and was an active member of Madison’s Fraternal Order of Eagles post 623, where he served two years as president. He was an active member of the Madison Aquarium Club and shared his passion for fish with his wife and children. Bernie’s admiration for A.J. Foyt, Indy racing and USAC led him to his love of NASCAR and Matt Kenseth. He spent much time building model airplanes and was very interested in tracking his family genealogy. He was a lifelong Green bay Packer fan and proud share holder. He was a fan of the Men’s and Women’s Badger Basketball and Football. He enjoyed going to Milwaukee Brewers and Madison Mallards baseball games as well as watching and listening to them. Bernie loved camping with family and friends over the past 40 years at Duck Creek Campground. He enjoyed fishing with his dad, father-in-law, and children. Thanks to his nephew, Jim Olson, Jr. and friend, Joe Hasse, he was able to fish his last summer.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret, three sons, Richard (Carol), Robert and Anthony; eight grandchildren, Melanie (Matt), Sean (Karen), Justin (Cassie), Micheal, Mary (Terrell), Scott, Mark, Melissa; seven great-grandchildren, Diamond, Jaydin, Justin (the apple of Papa’s eye), Jordin, Renia, Nero, Anthony; a brother, Edward (Rachel) and sister, Christine (Randy) Gjertson, sisters-in-law, Ginny Bonner Roehl, Sara (Terry) Anderson, brothers-in-law, Ray, Clarence (Evelyn), Jim, Dan (Betty) and Michael (Lesa) Olson; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wally; and daughter, Michelle.
Bernie’s family would especially like to thank Dr. Amet Sanjal and the Oncology staff at Dean Clinic.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 2450 Atwood Avenue, with Msgr. Mike Hippee presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, and again on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church or Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711.
