Bernard Gehrmann

Gehrmann, Bernard E. "Barney" MIDDLETON - Bernard E. "Barney" Gehrmann, age 86, of Middleton, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006. Barney was born in a farm home in Cozy Valley (near Mellen) on Nov. 6, 1920. Barney was one of 11 children of Bernard J. and Mary R. Gehrmann. Barneys father was born in Germany and came to America with his parents at age 13. He was elected four times as a U.S. Congressman. Barney attended a two-room country school and graduated from Mellen High School in 1938. While attending Superior State College, World War II began so he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was sent to a marine base in California for amphibious training, and then into the Pacific War Theater where he and his platoon of marines made several landings and battles against the Japanese. On Sept. 14, 1945, he married his longtime sweetheart, Mary Rose Jellish, and together they raised five children, Kevin, Richard, Lynn, Bernie and Denise. Barney spent many years in Ashland as a sales manager while also active in the community. He was elected six times to the City Council and County Board and for 10 years served as director of the County Fair and for several years, served as its president. In 1964 and again in 1966 he was elected to the state legislature representing Ashland, Bayfield and Iron counties. In 1968, he was appointed to serve a six-year term as state highway commissioner secretary, which brought the family to Middleton. In 1974 he served as the administrative officer for the Transportation Commission and later for the Department of Veterans Affairs before retiring in February 1985. Survivors include five children, Kevin (Karen) and their children Bob and Todd, Richard (fiancee Cindy) and his children Heidi, Andy, Rick and Angie, Lynn (John) Gunderson and their children Ryan, Tricia, and Tim, Bernie (Sheryll) and their children Jessi and Mandy, and Denise (Larry) Hellenbrand and their children Brian and Brandon; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Lorraine and Dorothy; many nieces and nephews; and a very dear friend, Mary Remsbottom who will always be remembered for her friendship, kindness and devotion to Barney. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary (1987); sisters, Leona, Rose and Mary; and brothers, Arthur, Joseph, Victor, John and Edward. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARDS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006, at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com