Walter J. Bernheisel Jr., 92, of Jonestown, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 7, 2024, after living a good, long life. He was the husband of the late Jill L. Prouty Bernheisel.
Walter, known by friends as Bernie, was born in Lebanon on June 25, 1932, a beloved son of the late Walter Bernheisel Sr. and Rosa (Bean) Bernheisel.
Bernie graduated from Lebanon High School in 1950, and in 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a radio repairman in Japan and South Korea. He later served his country in Vietnam, Thailand, and again Japan in Okinawa. Bernie’s final assignment was with the first U.S. Army Inspector General’s office in Fort Meade, MD, where he retired in 1973 as a Master Sergeant.
Service to his country and community was of utmost importance to Bernie. He volunteered for various veteran organizations and had the opportunity to serve over 18,000 veterans as District Commander of the American Legion after completing post and county commander positions as well. Bernie served as President, Chairman, and Commander of the VFW. He was also active with the AMVETS, 40/8, AUSA, Lebanon County Republican Club, Vietnam Veterans of America, PA War Veterans Council, Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Council, and the NCOA. He was particularly proud to be a member and Commander of the AMVETS Honor Guard, with which he ushered thousands of fellow veterans ceremoniously into their final resting place. Bernie also served his community as a Zoning Enforcement Officer, and he was a member of the Bunker Hill Evangelical Congregational Church, Lebanon.
Bernie will be missed by many family members, including his sons, Patrick Bernheisel, of Falls Church, VA, and Derek (Susan) Hastings, of Jonestown; daughters, Toni (Jimmy) Naylor, of Spotsylvania, VA, Tara Bernheisel (Steve), of Jarvisburg, NC, and Jill (Paul) Savini, of Annville; step-daughter, Lisa Hastings, of Jonestown; siblings, James Bernheisel, of Carlisle, and Rachel Kern, of Lebanon; as well as eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his wife, Bernie was preceded in death by his sons, Michael Bernheisel and Sean Bernheisel, step-daughter, Tracy Hastings; step-son, Duane Hastings; grandson, David Tyler Ebling; and great-granddaughter, Paige Hastings.
Family and friends will gather at Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home, Jonestown, for a viewing on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, beginning at 2 p.m., followed by the service at 4 p.m. There will be a viewing on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, from 8:15-9:15 a.m. A procession will leave at 9:30 a.m. to Indiantown Gap National Cemetery for burial.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the PA Veterans’ Memorial Trust Fund. Also, you may display the U.S. flag in your home or yard as a way to remember Bernie or display the POW*MIA flag in honor of Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. This cause was close to his heart.
