He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, receiving an honorable discharge. After the war, he owned farm in the Town of Oconto Falls. Bert lived in Chicago for most of his life where he was an over the road truck driver. He retired and moved to Gillett in 1977. On October 12,1935, Ben married Veronica Funk, in Chicago, and together they had two sons, Joseph and John. Veronica preceded Bert in death on September 29, 1992,and his son, John, preceded him March 4, 1999. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Gillett.
Survivors are his son and daughter-in-law: Joseph and Aqnes, Gillett; three grandchildren: James (Melissa) Zwijacz, Suamico; Anne (George) Juza., Manitowoc; Joan (Paul) Janco, Green Bay; seven great-grandchildren: Michael, Matthew and Emily Zwijacz; Michelle and Nicole Juza; Alyssa and Nicholas Janco; seven brothers: Joseph (Patty), Saratoga Springs, NY; Frank (Cassie), Florence, OR; John (Marion); Leo (Betty), all of Saratoga Springs, NY; Laddie (Sonja), Corinth, NY; Theodore (Mary Ann); Richard (Cathleen), all of Saratoga Springs, NY; three sisters: Gladys (Henry) Hildebrandt, Danville, NJ; Nellie (Virgil) Votroubek, Gansevoort, NY; Virginia (Bill) Pilleskey, Saratoga Springs, NY.
He was also preceded in death by one sister, Helen Cassa and one brother, Stanley.
Funeral services were held Sunday, August 15, at the Kuehl Funeral Home, Gillett, with the Rev. John M. Gallagher officiating. Interment in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Town of Gillett.
Bert's family would like to extend a special thank you, to the staff at Maple Lane Health Care Center, for the care given Bert during his personal struggle with Alzheimer's disease, and to Jeff and Sue O'harrow for their visits.