Obit: Orsburn, Bernard O. "Bernie" (1932 – 2018)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Orsburn, DuBrava, Lindgren, Mohr, Wiese, Holper, Dickerson

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 21 Nov 2018

Orsburn, Bernard O. "Bernie" (11 OCT 1932 – 22 NOV 2018)

Bernard O. “Bernie” Orsburn, 86, Withee, formerly of Greenwood, peacefully passed away on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018. Per Bernie’s request, private family services were held with burial in the Greenwood City Cemetery. His grandchildren served as pallbearers.

Bernard Orie Orsburn was born on Oct. 11, 1932, near Greenwood, the son of Bud and Ruth (nee Thomas) Orsburn. He started working in Illinois at the age of 14, which included several years on the high line before serving his country as a corporal in the United States Army from February 1953 to February 1955. He married Pearl DuBrava from Phillips on July 30, 1955, at Grace United Methodist Church in Greenwood. After his marriage, he held numerous jobs, including Stewart’s Redville Dairy and Plautz Brothers trucking in Greenwood. He farmed an 80-acre farm south of Greenwood and drove truck for Bergstrom Gas transport from Owen to La Crosse. He then bought a 40-acre farm north of Greenwood and worked for the Clark County Highway Department for 14 years. The next move to an 80-acre farm east of Owen on Highway 29 followed with his opportunity to raise Belgium work horses and numerous colts he loved. He enjoyed giving rides to family and friends as well as entering parades, including the 100th anniversary for Curtiss. He drove truck from Minneapolis to New York, Florida and South Dakota for several years for Shawano Livestock. Then he started working at Hartwig Trucking of Medford, and hauled logs from Minong to Mosinee until health/heart problems prevented him from driving. When the Highway 29 farm was sold, he and his wife purchased a home in the country then built a new home in Withee in 2004. In 2005, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. For nine years, Bernard and Pearl enjoyed trips to Arizona in their motor home. They met many nice people from Missouri, Canada, Colorado and Montana. They enjoyed music and Bernard learned how to play guitar. Bernard loved his family, always working and traveling.

Bernard is survived by his wife, Pearl, of 63 years; his daughter: Barb (Gary) Lindgren of Withee; his son: Glen (Ann) Orsburn of Appleton; five grandchildren: Jennifer (Nick) Mohr, Heather (Dallas) Wiese, Lindsey (Zach) Holper, Jill (Chris) Dickerson and Jenessa Orsburn; three great-grandchildren: Madisyn and Mason Mohr and Kylee Wiese; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Doris Auman and Eva Bomback; and a half-brother: Jack Thomas.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. 

Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.