Obituary of Thomas Paul Bernhard
Thomas Paul “Tom” Bernhard, age 69, of Channahon, IL, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, August 2, 2026. He was born on May 14, 1957, in Algona, IA to Ersel (Bierle) and Paul Bernhard. He grew up in Bancroft, IA as one of eleven brothers and sisters.
The great love of Tom’s life was his wife, RaeLynn. They met on the 9th of February in 1979 at the JukeBox Disco in Algona, IA. It was love at first sight and they were engaged to be married within weeks. They would have celebrated their 47th Wedding Anniversary on August 18th of this year.
Tom cherished his friends and family - especially sharing stories over a good meal. He considered himself a master griller. He loved fishing and the tales that went along with each trip. From playing on multiple softball, bowling, and basketball leagues to being a security guard for the Chicago Bears - Sports were always a part of his life in some way or another.
His favorite things to do were being on The Open Road, Telling Jokes, and sitting outside sipping on a glass of Disaronno with a Cigar in hand.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, RaeLynn (nee Neith) Bernhard; his children, Melinda (Daniel) Mastrofski and Ryan (Kristie) Bernhard; granddaughter, Lillie; father-in-law, Jerry (the late Mary) Neith; his sister-in-law, Lisa (Brian) Wegener; his siblings, JoAnn (the late Erwin) Quinn, Audrey (Phil) Lampe, Angela (Jody) Dostal, Jerry (Angi) Bernhard, Tony Bernhard, Christopher (Cindy) Bernhard, Sarah Bernhard; and his many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ersel and Paul Bernhard; sister, Brenda Vaske; and brothers, Kenny and Matt Bernhard.
Tom is a veteran of the United States Marines.
– “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27
Visitation for Thomas Paul Bernhard will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 12:30 p.m. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Marines, the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad, and the Illinois Patriot Guard.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
