Lois Marie Bernhardt's Obituary
Lois Marie Bernhardt, age 76, passed away Peacefully on April 30, 2025 at Suncoast Hospice in Palm Harbor, Florida surrounded by her loving family.
Lois was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin to the late Louis and Irene (Gast) Fasulo. She was the youngest of four children, and despite a 13 year age gap, shared a particularly close bond with her sister Kay. Her parents owned Fasulo’s Grocery, a neighborhood grocery store located directly across from Frank Elementary School, where she was a student. After school she and her friends would rush to the candy counter at her parents store to enjoy a sweet treat- a daily ritual which for obvious reasons, made her very popular amongst her classmates. She graduated from Bradford high school in 1967 and went on to attend Southern Illinois University. She returned to Kenosha to pursue a degree in nursing at Gateway Technical School. Lois fulfilled her dreams of becoming a nurse and started her career in the ER at Kenosha Memorial Hospital.
In 1968 she met the love of her life and future husband Thomas (Tom) Keith Bernhardt at the local favorite “Earls Club” in Kenosha. Lois and Tom immediately noticed each other and her friend playfully remarked to her, “Be nice to him Lois, he owns a Corvette.” Their connection endured even when Tom was deployed to Vietnam in December of 1968 where he served with distinction as a sergeant in the Marine Corps. Lois patiently waited for his return, and their love was made official when they married on July 17, 1971. After Tom graduated from University of Wisconsin- Parkside in 1975, the couple relocated to Clearwater, Florida where Tom became a teacher and Lois worked as a dedicated nurse at Mease Dunedin hospital.
In 1976, they were blessed with their daughter Kalen Elizabeth Bernhardt, who became her mom’s whole world. The love shared between the two was immeasurable and Lois devoted her life to giving every bit of herself to her daughter. Lois and Tom forged ahead in life together purchasing their dream home in Palm Harbor, Florida and began their forever careers where Tom worked for an educational publishing company and Lois worked as a surgical nurse for doctors, Dragon and Di Napoli. With Tom often traveling the country with his sales position, Lois seamlessly balanced her career, shuffling Kalen to her many extracurricular activities, managing a pristine home and every December transforming her Florida house into winter wonderland, even if it was a balmy 85 degrees on Christmas Day. Some of her most treasured moments were the many “mommy- daughter” days spent shopping, going to lunch, catching a movie, traveling to see the Dave Matthews Band or simply just being together. On Sundays (unless the Packers were playing on TV and her husband and daughter were driving her nuts) you would find her by the pool, coca-cola in hand, playing with her dogs and watching Tom barbecue for the various friends and family that would be joining them that day. In Lois‘s world friends did not remain friends. They inevitably transitioned into family due to her generous heart, selflessness, unconditional acceptance and warm humor. Even though she only had one child, many called her “mom.”
After Lois’s retirement, Lois and Tom bought a second home in Northern Wisconsin, where they spent summers hiking, boating, and enjoying the natural splendor of the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Her sister Kay joined most summers and their bond, grew even deeper each year. Just as it was in Florida, the Wisconsin home had an endless parade of houseguests and visitors.
In 2016, Kalen married her soulmate, Jamey Cormier, who became not only a son to Lois but one of her favorite human beings on earth. She was at peace knowing that her daughter picked an incredibly kind and loving man to journey through life with.
After Tom‘s retirement, they lived the dream of residing in Woodruff, Wisconsin while wintering in Palm Harbor, Florida. Lois loved to walk her beloved dogs on the many trails of the Northwoods of WI enjoying the fall colors and along the Gulf waters in Crystal Beach, Fl. Lois and Tom spent retirement boating, exploring the many parks and lakes of northern Wisconsin, enjoying live music and entertaining family and friends. In 2024, Lois and Tom returned to Palm Harbor full-time to be close to their daughter, son-in-law, Sister and brother- in- law and friends.
Often described as a saint, especially for gracefully handling her A- type husband and daughter, Lois embraced life with love, humility and laughter. Her family fondly remembers her as a woman of extraordinary patience, humor, and selflessness. Lois will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Lois was greeted in Heaven by her beloved parents, her in-laws- Rudolph (Rudy) and Luella Bernhardt, her brother- Vito Peter Fasulo, her brother- Thomas Anthony Fasulo, and many other friends and family members. She was also joyfully reunited across the rainbow bridge with her loyal dogs: Fubar, Kizzie, Stormy, Zeke and Maggie.
Lois is survived by her loving husband, daughter, son-in-law, sister- Kathryn (Kay) Batassa, brother-in-law- Fred Batassa, sister-in-law- Judy Bernhardt, her four legged son Lambeau, many nieces and nephews and countless friends that became her family.
A private inurnment will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery. A celebration of Lois’s life will be held at the Highland Lakes Lodge on Saturday July 12, 2025 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm where all can gather to share stories, laughter, and send love to Lois in Heaven. Light food and drinks will be provided.
What’s your fondest memory of Lois?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lois?
Share a story where Lois' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lois you’ll never forget.
How did Lois make you smile?
