Bernard Ray Brickner

Brickner, Bernard R. “Bernie” or “Buzz” OREGON-Bernard R. "Bernie" or "Buzz" Brickner, age 89, passed away on April 1, 2015, at home in Oregon with his beloved wife at his side. Bernard was born in Scott Township, Crawford County, Wis. on Dec. 23, 1925 to Ora Lando and Clara (Peck) Brickner. His family struggled during the Depression, and he learned early the meaning of hard work and the value of a dollar. When he could be spared from the farm, Buzz attended country schools in Crawford County, Belleville and Stoughton. Bernie proudly joined the U.S. Navy in Feb., 1944, and was honorably discharged as a machinists' mate second class in June, 1946. On Feb. 22, 1947, Buzz married Emily Theresa Briggs of Oregon at Peoples' Methodist Church. They celebrated their 68th anniversary in February. Bernard's formal education was limited to the eighth grade, but he could master whatever he tackled. He could fix anything, build anything, and solve any problem. He was the strongest, most fair and honest man anyone knew, a priceless friend or neighbor, and a treasure to his family. Bernie worked many jobs, including delivering cement and coal for Castle & Doyle, before settling into a career with the state Division of Corrections, where he held positions at the Oregon School for Girls and Oakhill Correctional Facility. He was an active member of labor unions throughout his working life. Bernard is survived by his devoted wife and their five children: Gordon (Kaye) of Sun Prairie, Timothy (Valery) of Oregon, Roger (Roberta DeVries) of Randolph, Rachel (Peter Hardin) of Brooklyn, and Ruth (Joel McNair) of Brooklyn. Also surviving are his grandchildren: James Brickner, Amy (Kevin) Ziegler, Dylan Brickner, Angus and Molly McNair, and Louis and EmmaLeah Hardin; a great-grandchild expected in July; brothers, Harry Charles and Robert William; sister, Virginia Fenske; many nieces and nephews; and cousin, Clifford O'Kane. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mabel Sainsbury and Shirley Verzani; brothers, Gerald and Bert Clyde; beloved grandfather, Fred Peck; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held at PEOPLE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 103 N. Alpine Pkwy, Oregon, at 11 a.m., on Friday, April 10, 2015, with the Rev. Jason Mahnke presiding. Burial with military honors will be at Prairie Mound Cemetery in Oregon. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a pass and review at 6 p.m., on Thursday, April 9, 2015, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. A luncheon will follow the service. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Orest Kostelyna for the many years of exceptional care he provided to Bernard, which not only extended the length of Bernie's life, but greatly enhanced the quality of that long and amazing journey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to People's United Methodist Church in Oregon, Wis. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608)835-3515