Bernard “Bernie” Wickenheiser

Bernard H. “Bernie” Wickenheiser, age 85 of Monroe, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 5, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family.
Born September 14, 1937 in Monroe, Bernie was the son of the late Henry and Marie (Navarre) Wickenheiser. He graduated from Monroe Catholic Central High School in 1956. Shortly after finishing High School, Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country until being honorably discharged on July 28, 1960. When Bernie returned home from the air force, he worked in the cafeteria at the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe. For a short time, he worked for Ilgenfritz Nursery in Monroe before beginning a 30+ year career as an electrician for Chrysler Corporation where he eventually retired from in 1997.
Bernie’s love for flowers, house plants, gardens, shrubs, trees; all things green and beautiful, continued throughout his life. After retirement, he spent a lot of his time maintaining his yard or helping a family member or neighbor in their yard. Every year he sent flowers to his sisters on their birthdays and brought bouquets of yellow roses for our Blessed Mother Mary on her feast days. He had a great devotion to Mary, which led him to spruce up the Fatima grotto at St. Michael’s in Monroe with stones, shrubs and flowers. He loved to pray the 20 mysteries of the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily. He often led the rosary in church with his booming voice that could be heard, loud and clear, by all.
Bernie is survived by three sisters, Monica Johnson of Flat Rock, Veronica “Verna” Ehlert of LaSalle, and Joan Konrad of Taylor. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jane Tuttle; four brothers-in-law, Charles Johnson, David Ehlert, Larry Tuttle, and Gary Konrad; two nieces, Julie (Johnson) Winters and Sally (Johnson) Souva; and nephew, Jeffery Tuttle.
Family and friends may visit from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9th at Bacarella Funeral Home where the Rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. Bernie will lie in state at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Michael Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by Rev. Fr. Kishore Battu. Burial will be private at St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests supporting Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wounded Warrior Project, or St. Michael Catholic Church.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.