Bernard J. Domke

Bernard J. Domke, 93, passed away in La Crosse on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. He was born February 26, 1929, in La Crosse to Bernard C. and Magdalena (Penchi) Domke.  Bernard grew up on a Mound Ridge farm outside of Genoa.

He served in the United States Army from 1952 until 1954 and was stationed in Korea. He was a member of the Genoa American Legion Post 246 for over 65 years.

On August 4, 1962, he married Marilyn Venner at St. Charles Catholic Church in Genoa. While raising their family, the couple farmed on Hickory Ridge, Genoa from 1963 until 1989. Following his retirement from farming, Bernard enjoyed working at various jobs, including driving bus for DeSoto Area Schools, working at Quillins in the produce department and as a greeter at Walmart.

In his free time, Bernard spent hours fishing, watching baseball, and playing cards with family and friends. He was a lifelong member of St. Charles Catholic Parish in Genoa. His faith was very important to him and was a constant in his life.

Bernard loved his family deeply. He found great joy when gathering and celebrating with them. He was very proud of his children and was a caring and loving dad. Spending time with his grandchildren gave him joy, and he welcomed each great grandchild with enthusiasm.

In addition to his wife Marilyn, he is survived by a son, Mark (Linda) Domke; two daughters, Janet Lepke and Karen (Peter) McCartney; a son-in-law, Alan Esch; six grandchildren, Lorena (Rick) Severson, Jed Domke, Jason(Kelsey) Lepke, Thomas Lepke, Stephen Tower and Danielle (Russell) Boardman; six great-grandchildren, Payson, Thayer, Max, Dylan, Willow and Avery; six brothers-in-law, Jim (Marlys), Duane (Mary), Jerry (Phyllis), Dave (Linda), Gary (Marleen) and Don (Sue); two sisters-in-law, Patricia (Bob) Vitrone and Bonnie Venner; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie Esch; a son, James Domke; a brother, Joe (Margarite) Domke; sisters, Monica Domke, Rita Nelson and a special twin sister, Bernadette (Roy) Thesing; a brother-in-law, Tom Venner and a sister-in-law, Patsy Venner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 4, 2022, at St. Charles Catholic Church with Rev. Daniel Sedlacek and Msgr. Delbert Malin as Celebrants. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the Mass.