Bernard Noelke

Bernard (Ned) Noelke, 93, of La Crosse died peacefully on Tuesday, November 27th at Hillview Health Care Center. He was born in La Crosse on March 4, 1919 to Carl and Amelia (O'Meara) Noelke. Ned was raised with the values of family, faith, and community.

After graduating from Aquinas High School in 1936 Ned applied those values to his work when his brother Carl Jr. invited him to join the family business, Carl B. Noelke Co. church supplies and religious goods. Founded by his grandfather Bernhard Noelke in 1883, Ned would go on to devote sixty-three years to the 529 Main Street business he loved. Drafted in 1942 after the start of World War II, Ned served in both the European and Pacific theatres. After the war, Ned returned to work in the family business. In 1950 Ned met Jean Currie in a production of an operetta,"The Bartered Bride". The next year on October 20,1951they were married at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman. Their love of music brought them together and their love for each other, their family and the arts enriched their 45 years of married life.

Ned's beloved Jean, their five children and seven grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. Family gatherings, a night at the symphony, Sunday afternoon in the garden, and a good book were some of his favorite pleasures in life. In addition to being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and businessman, Ned was a friend to many. In Ned's company, you always felt comfortable. His positive outlook, caring manner, easy-going nature and sense of humor were traits that touched many.

He was always ready to share a story, especially about growing up in La Crosse. The stories of ten cent movies at the Majestic Theatre, or the opera stars his father would bring to La Crosse, or

serving mass for the Bishop in the castle on Cass Street.Ned was a dedicated parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman and in 2011 was honored as "Parishioner of the Year". Ned is survived by four daughters, Barbara (Dennis) Feider of Racine,WI, Jane {Chris) Kerbaugh of La Crosse, Nancy Noelke (Thomas Schmitt) of La Crosse,and Anne (Jeffrey) Ebbesen of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; one son,Edward Noelke of Onalaska;seven grandchildren,Andy Feider, Laura Feider, and Greg Feider,Steven Kerbaugh and Amanda Kerbaugh Sims,Paul Schmitt and Julian Ebbesen and one great grandchild,Quincy Sims. He is also survived by his sister Jane Rendler of La Crosse and many nieces, nephews,grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents,four brothers, two sisters, and his wife Jean. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caring staff at Hillview Health Care Center and Gundersen Lutheran Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Friday, November 30th at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman. The visitation will be from 9:00am until the time of the service.

The burial will follow in the Catholic Cemetery. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Aquinas Foundation, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, or the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman. To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to improve the world, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. This is the meaning of success. Ralph Waldo Emerson