Bernard "Bernie' F. Harter

Bernard Bernie Francis Harter, age 76 of Viroqua, died Thursday October 31, 2019. Bernard (Bernie) Francis Harter, age 76 of Viroqua, died Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. Bernard Harter was born September 25, 1943. Besides helping his dad with farm work, Bernie started his career driving milk truck then driving for Pepsi. He was drafted in the Vietnam War where he worked as an aviation mechanic for two years. After the war, he drove with a group of guys from Virginia to Chicago in one night. He was so glad to get home that he forgot his duffel bag in the trunk and never did get it back. Bernie was in a near fatal car accident in 1969 and only given two hours to live. After six months of rehabilitation in Milwaukee he returned home. In 1977 he started working at Nelson Muffler in Viroqua. He had another set back when he severed his left hand in a work-related accident at Nelson Muffler but luckily did regain use of this hand. Despite these setbacks, he would always say the best moment of his life was when he married his wife Jane on August 10, 1985. They honeymooned in Northern Wisconsin. For their 25th anniversary they took a bus trip to Door County. Bernie enjoyed going to the annual Harter family camp outs; spending time with his family playing yard games and cards. Bernard is survived by his wife, Jane Harter; son, John F. Harter; step-daughters, JoAnne (Dave) Wiegmann, Barbara Hanson; grandson, Jacob Wiegmann; brothers and sisters, Janet Lucey, Jim (Cindy) Harter, Dan (Renae) Harter, Mary Ann (Ted) Duncan, and Rita (Fred) Clary; sister-in-law, Karen Harter; brothers-in-law, John (Jennifer) Stoltz and Jerome (Vangie) Stoltz; sister-in-law, Joyce (Roger) Humfled; many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Margret E. Harter; brother, John J. Harter; nephew, Larry Humfled; as well as aunts, uncles and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial funeral service for Bernard will be Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Marys Annunciation Catholic Church, 400 Congress and Broadway Streets in Viroqua. Father Charles Richmond will celebrate the mass. Burial will follow the mass at Viroqua Cemetery, with full Military Honors. A Visitation for friends and relatives will be Friday, November 8, 2019 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM at the Vosseteig- Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker St. in Viroqua, and on Saturday morning on-hour prior to the mass, at the church. In lieu of flowers or plants memorials in Bernards name are preferred. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.co The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua is serving the family. (608) 637-2100.