Margie Bernhardt

Margie Ellen (Banfield) Bernhardt passed away in the loving arms of her family at home, Nov. 13, 2012, after a life filled with love, laughter and incredible grace. Margie was born June 12, 1955, in Cuba City, Wis., to Grace and Louie Banfield. She married Steve Bernhardt from Cassville, Wis., on July 28, 1979. Evident to all they met, Margie and Steve's love for each other knew no limits. Together, their hearts overflowed with genuine love and concern for many family, friends and strangers over the years. This past summer, Margie retired from teaching fifth grade at Southwestern Elementary School in Hazel Green, Wis. She spent 21 years at Southwestern, where she met some of her closest friends and taught hundreds of young people much more than academics. Mrs. Bernhardt taught her students to believe in themselves as she did in them. Margie had an easy smile and a positive outlook that helped her win two battles with cancer, living life to see her son grow up, get married and make her a grandma. By her example and selfless support, she gave others the courage to live their lives with positivity. Margie truly left a legacy of love in her wake. Margie is survived by her husband Steve, their son Gabriel and daughter-in-law Jenny (Brink), two "perfect" grandchildren James and Ellen, her father Louie and siblings Dave, Paula, Tim, Elisa and Cindy. Margie was preceded in death by her mother Grace and brother Dan. Visitation will be on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Casey Funeral Home in Cuba City beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. The family is establishing a fund to benefit Southwestern Elementary School's reading program in Margie's name to carry on the love of reading she instilled in generations of her students. She would have loved this lasting gift far more than flowers. Heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Robert Stader and the Family Medical Center staff in Lancaster for their decades of compassionate care and support. Laugh as we always laughed, At the little jokes that we shared together. Play, smile, think of me; pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. We love you forever.