Bernard “Bernie” J. Hesch

Bernard Joseph Hesch, 65, of Arcadia, died Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at home, surrounded by family, after a long battle with glioblastoma.

Bernie was born September 25, 1954, in Arcadia, to Rudolph and Lucille (Dworschak) Hesch. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1972, and had a life-long and illustrious career as a Heavy Machine Operator, or as his family called it, “diggin’ for a livin.’”

Bernie was a member of the Acadia Ambulance Service for 23 years and served as a first responder for the Arcadia-Glencoe First Responders. He was a teaching assistant for the EMS program at Western Technical College, and an examiner for the National Registry of EMTs. Bernie also volunteered for Ashley’s Angels and especially enjoyed providing well-needed resources to families in need. Next to his family, his great love was golf. He was a member of the Arcadia Country Club since the beginning of time, and was always happy to play a round with anyone who was willing. And while his family was often exasperated at his two-hour trips to the grocery store, they knew that he loved socializing and catching up with folks around town. Bernie was known for his sense of humor…always good for sharing a joke. His infectious laughter could be heard for miles.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Paulette (Vogel) of Arcadia; children: Naita (Levi) Spratley of Mondovi, Rudy Hesch of Taylor, Kathleen Lacey (Ben Kuspa) of Lincoln, NE., Brian (Amanda) Lacey of Buffalo City; grandchildren: Penelope Kuspa, Brenden, Addyson, Emelia, and Vada Lacey; siblings: David (Judy) Hesch of Arcadia, John (Trudi) Hesch of Peyton, CO., Paul (Kris) Hesch of Madison, and Ann Hesch of Winona, MN.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Lucille Hesch; and his beloved, four-legged buddy, Winnie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Arcadia Country Club at a later date. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations will be accepted for Arcadia Ambulance Service, Arcadia Country Club and the UW Foundation – Neuro Oncology Research, per Dr. Steven Howard. Please contact family for specific donation information.

Wozney-Killian Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To express condolences to Bernie’s family online, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.