Walter Bernhardt age 90 of Lincoln, Nebraska died on April 15, 2012 in Lincoln.  He was born on September 8, 1921 at Hastings, Nebraska to Jacob and Anna (Pfief) Bernhardt.  He married Lydia Schessler on May 25, 1946 in Lincoln. Walter worked for Kess Construction. Walter was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and enjoyed golfing.

Mr. Bernhardt entered the US Army on August 16, 1942 and served until December 12, 1945 for a total of three years, three months and twenty seven days of active military service.

He entered the service at Fort Crook, Nebraska and trained in the infantry until he departed the United States on September 20, 1943 enroute to the Asia Pacific Theater. He arrived in that theater on September 26, 1943. He would not return to the United States until December 3, 1945.

He was awarded the following medals and badges for his service:

• Combat Infantry Badge: for combat service infantry in the Pacific Theater fighting with the 6th Infantry Division
• The Good Conduct Medal: in recognition of exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity
• Bronze Star Medal: in recognition of exemplary service in combat
• The American Campaign Medal: for his more than one year of stateside service
• The Asia-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Arrowhead
• The World War Two Victory Medal
• Philippine Liberation Medal
• Rifle Sharpshooter Badge
• Honorable Discharge Device/Lapel Button

Mr. Bernhardt’s selfless service to the nation is to be commended. Of his more than three years of active service, more than one year was served overseas in combat zones. His display of duty, honor and love of country is truly a fine example of a real patriot.

Walter is survived by his sister-in-law, Marian Schessler of Lincoln; numerous nieces and nephews and their families from Nebraska, California and Illinois.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jack and Reuben, sisters, Lydia Ringsted and Edna Weber.

Cremation, no visitation.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Keyser officiating.

Burial with military honors will be in Wyuka Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity United Methodist Church.