Bernard Tesmer

Bernie was born on February 13, 1938 to Clara C. & Bernard J. Tesmer Sr. at St. Anthony Hospital ironically across the street from the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Safety Bldg. He passed peacefully at St. Camillus in Wauwatosa on July 31, 2023. Bernie was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Bertling Tesmer. They were married on April 24, 1962 in Tacoma, WA while Bernie was completing his 12 months Eisenhower Admin's Army enlistment at Ft. Lewis. They were married for 43 years and had three (3) children Tyler (preceded in death), Brandon (daughter-in-law Cindi) and Christopher (daughter-in-law Michelle). Grandchildren Tiffany, Jack, Brittany Tesmer from Brandon; Andrew, Delaney, Carson Tesmer & Kacie Pierce from Christopher (Michelle). Additionally, former daughters-in-law Mary, Holly, Roberta. The Bertling family was a large loving family, Norman, Arlene, Clifford, Carole, Patricia, Barbara, Jim + their spouses & many nieces and nephews were loved by Bernie as were his in-laws Frank & Beatrice Bertling. Bernie was an only child and was endeared by his family and many great Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins from both the Tesmer and Koch families. Special mention of the importance of his grandmother Caroline "Carrie" Koch who helped raise him in a rare then two-party working family home. He grew up on Milwaukee's North side attending Green Bay Ave. Elementary and Rufus King High School. Bernie loved baseball from day 1 as his Father Bernie Sr. was an exceptional professional baseball catcher in the 1920's and early 1930's. Bernie Sr. taught him how to hit in their garage and of course on the field. As Bernie grew up, he played baseball for Rufus King and then was signed by the Milwaukee Braves in their farm system where he played for 3 years at 3rd base/LF. He furthermore played in the US Army at Ft. Lewis where he played with Major League star Tom Seaver. Following the Army Bernie played baseball until he was 50 years old with many great Langsdorf and County Minor League Teams in Milwaukee such as Falk, Allen-Bradley, Milwaukee Police, Milwaukee Fire, and the Tosa Grads which Bernie created for his oldest son Tyler and friends back in 1982. Bernie regularly was recognized as leading hitter, MVP wherever he played. Bernie was educated at UWM, MATC, and Northwestern University. He was on the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department for 31 years where he rose to be 2nd in Command as Department Administrator (Inspector). Special mentions were Bernie's leadership role in the early 1970's as President of the Milwaukee County Deputy Sheriff's Association where he was a leader in advocating for the collective bargaining for the union's pay & benefits. He always mentioned this as one of his proudest achievements. Additionally, Bernie ran the Training Academy in the late 1970's as a Lieutenant, taught at MATC in the Police Sciences program and promoted to Inspector in 1986. He was highly involved in the 5+ year process of the design and building of the Milwaukee County Jail which opened in the early 1990's prior to his retirement. Following retirement from Milwaukee County Bernie was sought after by Waukesha County and became the Captain of the Jail for 5 years ultimately retiring for good. He enjoyed travel with Barbara and friends on many trips to Phoenix, Palm Springs, SoCal always to visit grandchildren and son Brandon. Bernie was an avid athlete as noted and beyond baseball enjoyed bowling, playing handball at the Eagles Club and later in life tennis, volleyball, biking and running. Bernie served as Executive VP/Treasurer for the WI Old Time Ball Player's Association and was involved for decades on the HOF committee. He was inducted into the WI State HOF in 1994 preceded by his Father Bernie Sr. in 1982 – only Father/Son combo. Bernie coached all three (3) of his sons in baseball and Cub Scouts softball. Resident of Milwaukee 1938-1964, Wauwatosa 1964-1993, 2000 present, Brookfield 1993-2000. Bernie also served on the Waukesha County Board and Brookfield City Fire & Police commission. In recent years, San Camillo/St. Camillus afforded Bernie a great residence in a great life. He enjoyed making many new friends there. He will be joining Barbara and Tyler at Wisconsin Memorial Park. May perpetual light always shine upon you – Love, your sons, family & countless friends. Visitation Monday, August 7th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Wisconsin Memorial Park - Main Building, 13235 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, August 8th, 10:00 am at St. Bernard Congregation, 1500 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa. Private entombment Wisconsin Memorial Park. Memorials given to the family will be distributed to Bernie's favorite charities.