Lucas & Miller Miller
October 17, 2020
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bernard Lee “Bernie” Watermolen
Jan 13, 1935 - Oct 09, 2020
On Friday October 9, 2020, Bernard Watermolen, age 85, passed from this life to eternal life. He was born January 13, 1935 to Robert and Verna (Fabry) Watermolen. Bernard was a graduate of Green Bay East High School. He joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1953, then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany.
He married his life-long partner and love, Margaret “Peggy” Swearingen in 1954. For the next 66 adventurous years raised 5 children, enjoyed 9 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. After his tour of duty, Bernard attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Through the years, Bernard was employed with the WI Department of Transportation, Brown County as the county’s first full time Surveyor, and Robert E. Lee Engineering Firm. He then decided to form his own Land Surveying business, which he thoroughly enjoyed until retirement.
Bernard was a member of the State of WI Land Surveyor’s Society, Wisconsin NE chapter of Land Surveyor’s. He also served on the WI Registration Board for Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors, and also the Planning Board of Silver Cliff, WI.
Bernard retired to his home in his beloved north woods, where he and his family gathered throughout the years enjoying all that nature provided. He and Peggy traveled to many places. Bernie’s favorite was Alaska. Every winter they enjoyed traveling to Florida.
Bernie was an avid fisherman with many meals of brook trout served at his table.
Bernard was preceded in death by his mother, Verna; father, Robert; and brother, Jerry Watermolen.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; children: Wendy (Jeff) Weliky, Lac Du Flambeau, Kathryn Smits, De Pere, Todd (Terri) Watermolen, Ixonia, Michael (Karen) Watermolen, Green Bay, and Jill (Peter) Worley, Green Bay; grandchildren: Ryan (Courtney) Smits, Jordan (fiancée Abby) Smits, Patrick (Kristen) Smits, Emma Watermolen, Jack Watermolen, Beth (Corey Zimmerman) Watermolen, Kristen (Blake) McClanahan, Vanessa Tenhaken, and Dryden Lepp; 6 great grandchildren. Also survived by brother, Richard (Nancy) Watermolen; brother-in-law, Robert (Sue) Swearingen, and many nieces and nephews.
Family Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday October 14, 2020, at the Silver Cliff Cemetery. Father Philip Dinh-Van-Thiep is officiating.
The family would like to give many thanks to Unity Hospice for their compassionate care and concern.
In lieu of flowers or donations the family recommends a contribution to the American Cancer Society.
Roubal Funeral Home of Wausaukee is assisting Bernie’s family.
Cemetery
Wednesday Oct 14, 2020, at Silver Cliff Cemetery [map]
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Guestbook Entries
Mark & Julie Blemberg
October 17, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Peg and the entire Watermolen family.
We've lost a truly wonderful man. We knew Bernie as a friend and neighbor but he was so much more. He was a wealth of knowledge, a helping hand, and a stalwart of the lake. I will miss him, but cherish the memories of him and his dedication to this lake association, his family and friends.
Go with God my friend.
Dave and Terry Wojcik
October 13, 2020
So sorry to hear about Bernie! Our prayers are with him and the rest of you.
Sure brings back tons of good memories with the Watermolen's and the Wojcik's on Avondale Dr. Touch football games in our backyards, riding to school with Kathy driving the VW beatle in the winter with no defrosters, Peg and MaryAnn having coffee clutches and us kids waiting to hear what new ideas/chores came out of the meeting of the minds from those two women.
Bernie created a solid family and will be missed by all!!
Love Ya!
Dave and Terry Wojcik
Andy and Jane Basten
October 12, 2020
David Mau
October 12, 2020
A true gentleman and someone I have had the privilege of calling a good friend for over 40 years. Bernie was someone who left our lives better for having been a part of it.
Michelle Baldwin
October 10, 2020
I spent a lot of time learning from (& sometimes arguing with ☺) Bernie at our Silver Cliff planning commission meetings & will always be thankful that he was willing to use his knowledge & expertise for the benefit of our town. Even after he retired from the commission, he continued to assist us by reviewing maps & answering questions. I appreciate that he shared his time & wisdom with me. I will sorely miss him. He was an asset to Silver Cliff.
My condolences to you, Peg, & the rest of your family.