Bernard “Bernie” J. Scholz, age 79, of Tomahawk, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at the Aspirus Hospital in Medford, Wis. Bernie was born in Tomahawk on April 8, 1942, to the late Joseph and Anna (Steinman) Scholz. He was married to Geraldine “Geri” Pence on Feb. 19, 1966; she survives.
Bernie was a lifelong resident of Tomahawk and a 1960 graduate of the Tomahawk High School. After high school, he was employed by the State of Wisconsin for a short time as a timber surveyor, and later worked for Owens Illinois for 20 years, in their Woodlands Division as a logger. He started Bernie’s Tree Removal, LLC, in 1986 and worked up until his time of death.
Bernie’s hard work ethic was evident in his day-to-day activities and began when he was a young boy. He was a tireless hard worker, having built his home by himself, and then at the age of 77, he decided to re-roof his house, and of course, in Bernie’s style – he did it himself. He was a talented athlete that had a huge passion for hardball and later on softball, traveling throughout the state and nation for tournaments and meeting great people along the way. He loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing with his boys and siblings.
He was a loving husband and father, an adoring grandfather, and a born-again Christian of strong faith. Bernie became friends with everyone he met and shared his love of Jesus. Bernie played an integral role in spreading the gospel of Christ in Tomahawk and was a founding member of the Word of Faith Fellowship, currently known as The Well.
God was first in Bernie’s life and then his love and dedication for his family. He was beyond proud of his children and grandchildren and was a kind, humble, selfless person that people gravitated to. He will always be remembered, missed and loved by his family and friends for his Bernie jokes, joy, loyalty, and loving whatever he was doing.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Geri Scholz, of Tomahawk; his two sons, Len (Kerry) Scholz, of Tomahawk, and Randy (Sandra) Scholz, of Chippewa Falls; and his six grandchildren, Tayllor, Cayton, Cody, Carly, Barry, and Houston. He is also survived by his siblings, Cecila Weber, Fred (Peggy) Scholz, Paul (Gayle) Scholz, Jerry (Ruth) Scholz, Annie (Leroy) Wilhelms, Terry Mohr, Mary Lou (Alan) Dean, Joseph Scholz, and David (Shari) Scholz.
Bernie is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and one brother, JoAnn, Darlene, Bertie and Art.
Funeral services for Bernard “Bernie” Scholz will be held on Sunday, Dec.19, 2021, at The Well, at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of services at 3 p.m. During the service there will be a time of sharing what Bernie meant to you. The family wants everyone to know this is the desire of their hearts. The more sharing the better. Memorials are appreciated to the family to assist with medical costs.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view Bernie’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.