Bernard A. Wakeen

Bernard A. Wakeen, 89, of Sparta, died peacefully in his home on Friday, November 1, 2024. He was born on May 17, 1935 to Fayz and Helen (Patros) Wakeen. He grew up in La Crosse, attending St. James Elementary School and Aquinas High School.

Bernie worked many various jobs during his life. He attained a strong work ethic helping his dad at Wakeen’s Grocery on the Northside of La Crosse. As a young man he worked at General Motors in Kenosha. Bernie was able to learn and develop many skills as he worked in construction, tree trimming, and covering pool tables. His final position was working with his brother Fred, at Fayze’s restaurant in downtown La Crosse. Bernie enjoyed working during his life and continued to do so well into his eighties. His Fayze’s family was an important part of his life. Many people would look to Bernie for advice and a good joke (although not always PC).

On August 25, 1962, Bernard married the love of his life, Jeanne A. Vogel, in La Crosse. They lived in La Crosse and Bangor before finally moving to Sparta in the 1990’s. Together, he and Jeanne turned an old farm house into a beautiful home for the two of them. Sadly, Jeanne passed away in 2009.

Bernie lifted weights and worked out most of his life. He was very disciplined. As a young man he was an amateur boxer. Bernie loved the river, and spent his younger years swimming, skiing and camping on sandbars. He enjoyed many long days of fishing with Jeanne. His large garden grew each year, providing fresh veggies to all of his family and friends, and even enough tomatoes to take to Fayze’s restaurant. He had fond memories of his mother’s Lebanese cooking and planted kousa to share with family. Bernie enjoyed refinishing antique furniture in his spare time.  He would take an old table and turn it into a masterpiece. After a long day of work Bernie enjoyed watching television, mostly action movies, with a recent inclination toward Westerns.

He is survived by his children, Nick Wakeen of Black River Falls, Karla Wakeen of La Crosse, and Tracey Wakeen of Sparta; grandchildren, Zach, Annie, Lydia, Julian, Rena, and Jackie; great grandchildren, Layla, Kai, Jay, Eloise, and Drew; nieces and nephews, Chris and Deb, siblings; Jerry (Bev) Wakeen, Gloria Hoesley, and Dennis Wakeen; and sister-in-law, Deb Wakeen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fayz and Helen; his wife, Jeanne; a brother, Fred, and a niece; Maria.

Private family services will be held at a later time in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.   

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