Bernard "Bernie" Linssen, age 90, of De Pere, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 2, 2021. Bernie was born May 24, 1931 to the late Charles and Mayme Linssen at their farm in the town of Bellevue and grew up with 11 other siblings. After serving in the Korean War, Bernie came home and married Carol Retzlaff on June 18, 1955. They recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. He was a wonderful husband, and loved his wife Carol immensely to the end.
Bernie started working for both the Schieble and Tuyls Mink Farms, and had a mink farm of his own in Bellevue. At the urging of his brother-in-law, Donald Rukamp, he began a home painting career and moved his family to the west side of De Pere. Over the next 40+ years, he started his own painting business and enjoyed a satisfying and successful career as a true craftsman. He painted and wallpapered the homes of upscale clients, and worked with special contractors Ron Adrianson and DeLeers Construction. Bernie didn't have many hobbies other than a time with ballroom dancing. He put in tireless hours into his business and taught his boys the value of hard work. At the same time, he was always a kind and compassionate man to all who knew him.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Carol; 3 sons: Steve (Bonnie), Kurt (Debi) and Chris (Tami); 7 grandchildren: Aaron (Fiancee Elma), Bret, Michael (Morgan), Karleigh, Hunter, Piper, and Sutton; 2 great granddaughters: Kinsley and Blair; 2 brothers: Ralph and Ken (Carla); 4 sisters: Eunice Kocken, Mary Rukamp, Ruth (Bob) Beining and Bev (Dick) Huxford; Surviving in-laws: Joanne Linssen, Joan Umentum, Jackie (Larry) Vickman, Judy (Andy) Dobesh, John (Sue) Retzlaff and Pam (Randy) Matzke.
In addition to his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by his granddaughter Emily; brother Merlin; sisters Alvina (Len) Schoessow, Marcella (Russ) Schmude, Beatrice (Norb) Henrigillis, and Lorraine (Luke) Albers; in-laws Walter Kocken, Don Rukamp, Joyce Linssen, Nancy Linssen, John Umentum and Bob Retzlaff; maternal in-laws: John and Ada Retzlaff.
Bernie's family would like to thank all who visited him in his later years, especially Bob Lewis. Thanks to the many people who sent Bernie a 90th birthday card; he was very touched by the love each card represented. A special thank you to Sheila and Cheryl, from Home Instead, for the care and assistance they gave Bernie allowing him to remain in his home until his final weeks. We also wish to thank the Unity Hospice staff at the "Jack and Ingrid Meng Hospice Residence" for assisting Bernie to his final resting place.
Visitation will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in De Pere on Thursday, July 8th from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 8th. Entombment will take place at Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.
