Jeffrey “Jeff” “aka Hood” M. Bernhardt 61, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a long hard-fought battle went home to be with his parents on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at UW Hospital in Madison.
He was born on June 21, 1963 to the late Rudy “Butch” and Glori (Reschke) Bernhardt Jr. in Kenosha. He graduated from Tremper High School and from Gateway Technical School.
On June 25, 1988 Jeff took the plunge and married Chris Roders, even though she was a package deal with two hyper brats, he didn’t care Jeff loved them all.
Hood loved boating especially down the Wisconsin River with Mike. He also loved his trips to Crandon and Minocqua spending time with his Uncle Tom and Aunt Lois, Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy. Hood and Cwissy loved going to Biloxi, MS and Gulf Shores, AL where they spent a lot of time on the gulf.
Hood was a proud and beloved member of the Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14 for almost 50 years. During his time with the club, he was an integral part of the daily operations. He also served many years on the Board of Officers including 2 terms as Lodge President. He founded the Danish Brotherhood Ying Yang Do Karate Club along with Sensei Ron Zeith. Over the years Hood served as bar manager, janitor and bartender, not to say all of the events and parties that he either headed or served on the committee, he was always available to help out. Hood also served on the Midwest District Board of Officers of the Danish Brotherhood. With all that he has done for the Lodge and the members he will be deeply missed, but always remembered. SKOAL
Jeff joined karate under the directions of Sensi Ron Zeith. He put his heart and soul into it and was an amazing martial artist. He received his black belt in July of 1999. His Sensi Ron was not only an amazing mentor but also became one of Jeff’s closest friends. Thank you, Ron, Rich, Joe, Don and everyone else in his class.
Jeff cherished every moment he could spend with his grandchildren. He loved dancing with Kailyn and playing monster trucks with Declan.
Jeff worked for over 30 years at the same company. Because of injuries caused by his physical job he needed multiple surgeries and because of that his health changed forever. Drink Pepsi!
Hood leaved behind his wife Cwissy, his daughter Lisa, son JR (Christine), grandchildren Princess Kailyn and King Tut Declan, his brothers Todd (Patty) and Bryan (Kim), his sisters-in-law Karen (Bobby) Vicki (Pete), Diana (Dave) and Mo (Eric) and his brother-in-law Bruce. He is also survived by aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services for Jeff will be held on Friday, July 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Bruch Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mario Garretto, all the nurses at Froedtert South St. Catherine’s, Froedtert Milwaukee and UW Madison, his CNA Amanda and Dr. Joseph Kim for their loving and compassionate care given to Jeff.
AH BAH BA LE BAH
The family would like to invite everyone to a Celebration and Fundraiser for Jeff on Sunday July 28th at The Danish Brotherhood (1300 Sheridan Road) from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) to 5:00 p.m.
