Bernard Crisman

It is with great sadness that we have to say good-bye to Bernard Mark Crisman.  He passed away peacefully on October 21, 2018.  We were fortunate enough to learn many values and life long skills from him during his 77 years of life.

Bernie was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 4, 1941 to Bernard and Grace (Marquardt) Crisman.  His expertise as a meat cutter started at Midway Airport and Certified store in Chicago, then Harry and Bernies in Hayward, and then finishing his career at Quality Foods in Wausau.  Occasionally he provided a helping hand at Zillman’s during deer season.  After his retirement he served as a custodian at St. Marks Lutheran Church and showed his servant heart by volunteering in various ministries.  He volunteered at the Oak Lawn, IL and Bass Lake, Hayward, WI Fire Departments. When the Cubs were in the World Series in 2016, while on vacation, he watched the games along with his family in three different states: Colorado, Arizona, and Wisconsin.  Bernie always maintained his loyalty to the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks even though he lived in Packer Country. He also cherished the time he spent Polka dancing.

On July 4, 2001 at the University of Wisconsin Madison he received a gift of life with a liver transplant.  He enjoyed gardening all his life and was proud of the lawn that he kept.  His organizational skills were evident just by looking at his garage.

Bernie was blessed with a large and loving family who were by his side til the end.  Bernie is survived by his wife Joan (Kutil) Crisman, his children Mike and Gina Crisman, Greg Crisman, Peg and Dennis Bindl, David and Beckie Crisman, Kim and Butch Suchomski, Daniel and Shellie Crisman, and Karen and Doug Artz, and Bill (Amber Oelke) Steidl and son-in-law Dan Brandt.  His grandchildren include Corey, Briana, Jessica, Tyler, Jennifer, Michael, Jordan, Elliot, Josh, Chase, Jack and Ty. And three beautiful great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Mason, and Isabelle.  Bernie’s sister Beverly (Charlie) Chantell, Gail (John) Makowski, brothers-in-law Mark (Leigh Ann) Kutil and Richard (Rebecca) Kutil.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Grace Crisman and brother Roger Crisman, sister-in-law Mary Ann (Vilcek) Crisman, father and mother-in-law Robert J. Kutil Sr. and Dolores Kutil, and brother-in-law Bobby Kutil Jr.

The family wishes to thank Aspirus Hospital including the Palliative Care Unit for their compassion, care, and loving support.  We would also like to extend our appreciation to University of Wisconsin Hospitals Transplant unit for the care provided to Bernard before, during, and after his transplant.

Bernie’s family wants to express their sincere gratitude to the donor family who chose organ donation.  We were blessed with 17 more years of memories with him.

Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, October 26, 2018 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Dr., Wausau.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church Friday.

Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com