Bernie Rost Jr.

Bernard J. “Bernie” Rost Jr., age 69, of Oshkosh, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, February 17, 2014. He was born on November 28, 1944 in San Francisco, California. Bernie was the son of Bernard J. Rost Sr. and Ethel R. Filtcroft Rost, and was married to his high school sweetheart, Donna J. Zuehlke on October 7, 1967 in Oshkosh. Bernie was a 1963 graduate of Oshkosh High School. After high school he worked at Universal Foundry, Basler Flight Service and Oshkosh Truck Corp. Bernie spent most of his working years as a marine mechanic at Mercury Marine and retired in January of 2009. After years of entrepreneurship, he founded Rost Repair and Storage, LLC. Bernie served in the National Guard during the Vietnam War and this service reinforced his love of country and resulted in friendships that would last throughout his life. Bernie loved spending time with his family and friends. “Rumpa” was always devoted to his granddaughters; whether it was a sporting event, a concert, having all the girls over for a sleep over, taking them swimming, or the precious hours spent babysitting his “girls”, he loved it all. Grandpa lived for those moments and the memories they created will forever be cherished by his granddaughters. Bernie also loved sharing his love of hunting with his granddaughters and those who had a willingness to connect with the great outdoors. Bernie was at his happiest spending time with his loved ones at the hunting cottage. He will be greatly missed by all of his cousins. Bernie is survived by his two sons, Bernard J. (Sandi) Rost III, of Neenah and Michael R. (Renee) Rost of Oshkosh; his granddaughters, Amelia Bates, Lyndsey, Harper, Rachel, Gretchen, and Paige Rost. He is also survived by his sisters, Beverly Blankenship of North Carolina and Linda Peters of Oshkosh; his brother, Richard (Vivian) Rost Sr. of Milwaukee as well as nieces, Teresa (Steve) Blankenship Parish, Cherise (Cameron) Hafemeister, and Robin Maness; nephews, Brad (Lesley) Blankenship, Richard (Carolyn) Rost and Tony Rost; great-nieces, Ashley Hafemeister and Taylor (Zach) Blankenship Greeley, and great-nephews, Jesse and Dalton Rost. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, June Zuehlke of Oshkosh, brother-in-law, Michael Zuehlke of Oshkosh, sister-in-law, Wendy (Robyn) Schnell of Illinois, nephew, Charles (Katie) Schnell of Illinois, niece, Kristen (Jeremy Smith) Schnell of Illinois, great-nephew, Raylan Schnell, great-niece, Kenzie Smith. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Robin (Paul) Kolarik of Greenville. Bernie was preceded in death by his loving bride, Donna; his parents; father-in-law, Raymond Zuehlke; brother-in-laws, Gary L. Blankenship and David J. Peters and a nephew, Herb Maness. Funeral services for Bernie will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. in the Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home, 865 S. Westhaven Drive in Oshkosh. Full military honors will follow the service. The Rev. William Van DeKreeke will officiate. A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 12 noon until the time of service. In lieu of floral expressions, a memorial fund will be established. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Al Marohn, Bernie’s lifelong friend. Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home and Crematory 865 S. Westhaven Dr. 920-235-1170

Bernie Rost Jr.

November 28, 1944 - February 17, 2014

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