Bernard James McCaffery “Bernie”, age 77, of New Lisbon, Wisconsin passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, March 16, 2018, at his home.
Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at the Faith Christian Church in Mauston, Wisconsin. Pastor Paul Shirek will officiate. A time of gathering will be from 12:00 Noon until the time of service on Saturday at the Church. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Bernie was born November 22, 1940, in Waukesha, Wisconsin to Alfred and Letty (Smart) McCaffery.
He graduated from Mukwonago High School in 1957.
Bernie married Nancy Kay Jewson on October 10, 1959, in Waukesha.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His love of hunting and fishing began as a very young boy. Bernie loved his nature and outdoors. He enjoyed going to the cabin & Florida, carpentry, and golfing. Bernie was a devoted husband of 58 years, and a beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
He was made an honorary member of the Mauston Bassbusters. He won numerous awards and first place plaques for fishing and enjoyed taxidermy years ago.
Bernie lived life with gusto. His adventuring spirit and unwavering loyalty to family and friends were immeasurable. His sense of humor was contagious. He made lifelong friends.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred & Letty McCaffery; son, Robert J. McCaffery; father & mother-in-law, Gerald & Frieda Jewson and sister-in-law, JoAnne Winzinreid.
Survivors:
Wife: Nancy McCaffery of New Lisbon, Wisconsin
Son: Tom (Sue) McCaffery of Palm Coast, Florida
Daughter: Kristina (Adam) Skaar of Northfield, Wisconsin
Daughter: Tamara (Don) Wendt of Mauston, Wisconsin
daughter-in-law: June Kolaske of Johnson Creek, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Corey McCaffery of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Amanda (Chad) Slater of Mauston, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Tamara (Derek) Coughlin of Mauston, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Alysse (Dylan) Scheitler of Camp Douglas, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Ashlee (David) Hughes of Milton, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Paighton Sylvester of Mauston, Wisconsin
Grandson: Jonathan Hannes of Mauston, Wisconsin
Grandson: Vincent Compton of Mauston, Wisconsin
Grandson: Zachary Compton of Michigan
Grandson: Thomas McCaffery Jr. of Rockford, Illinois
Grandson: Joshua (Breanne) McCaffery of Tomah, Wisconsin
Grandson: David (Carmela) Mennem of Northfield, Wisconsin
Grandson: Mitchell (Courtney) McCaffery of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Grandson: Robert (Astrid) McCaffery of Mesa, Arizona
14 great-grandchildren: Lilly, Issac, Olivia, Kyler, Libby, Cammie, Aubree, Kayne, Henry, Samuel, Tawny, Ryleigh, Xander, and Hayden
Sister: Lynn Egly of Eagle, Wisconsin
Sister: Kay (Sarge) McCaffery of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Brother: Doug (Yvonne) McCaffery of North Prairie, Wisconsin
Brother: Mike McCaffery of North Prairie, Wisconsin
Brother-in-law: Scott (Minda) Jewson of Wales, Wisconsin
Brother-in-law: Michael (Linda) Jewson of Appleton, Wisconsin
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and special lifelong friends,
Eric Nelson, Guy Withers, and Jim Yatzeck
A special thanks to Atrium Post-Acute Care in Marshfield for their loving care. Also, a special thank you to Tomah Hospice for their love and concern and to the wonderful care, he received from all his great team in Dialysis of Mauston.
Going to really miss Bernie and Eric team they always gave Dave Chapin and I a run for our money he was an excellent tournament fisherman and very nice guy my condolences Frank Kranz
Bernie such a loving sweet big bear of a man, you now can join the fishing hunting trip with my fireball.. sending love to you both
Here’s hoping that up there where he is, every game he pitches is a no-hitter, every buck he shoots is a wall hanger, and every fish he catches is a lunker. Rest in peace my good friend.
Bernie will always bring back memories to me of all the fishing tournaments, named (the greater MCcaffery Open), that he and Doug held on petenwell every year. I really enjoyed having him as a friend.
I am so sorry for your loss. Bernie was a good friend to all those that knew him. He will forever be missed. R.I.P. Bernie
Sorry for your loss
Paul and Sheila Z
Words can not being to express my sorrow for you and your family. May you all be comforted by the outpouring of love that is surrounding you.
Words can not being to express my sorrow for you and your family. May you all be comforted by the outpouring of love that is surrounding you.
Crystal Skiff
My uncle..:) where to begin? He was a smart,strong,outspoken,independent, loving,devoting,tough,funny,handsome gift of god. I remember him well as a younger girl, as I got older we grew apart some however my heart was always with him and all my other family. The stories of him and memories of him will forever be cherished in our minds and hearts.. we love you uncle Bernie!
My Dad was a courageous man who faced life with adventure and grit. He was a loving husband of 58 years and father and grandfather. His love of the outdoors was his favorite thing in life. My love of the outdoors and building was passed down from him. Thank you dad for all the memories. I love you Dad and forever will miss you
My father-in-law loved his son and grandchildren, yet genuinely loved and treated me like a daughter!
I will cherish all the memories ~ he will be missed and loved forever by many.
Rest in Peace Bernie ~ I love you!