Bernard Herb Watson

GAYS MILLS Bernard HERB Watson, age 95, died Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Greenway Manor in Spring Green. GAYS MILLS / SPRING GREEN Spring Green, WI. Bernard R "Herb" Watson passed away peacefully on November 11, 2017 at Greenway Manor. Herb was born May 27, 1922 to George and Ellen (Kane) Watson in Seneca, WI. He was engaged in farming when he married Eleanor Lucey on June 29, 1944 at Rising Sun, WI. Herb and Eleanor enjoyed a 65-year marriage before Eleanor preceded him in death on November 3, 2009. For several years he was employed by the G. C. Lucey Company before purchasing his own IGA grocery store in Gays Mills. He operated the "family grocery" for 22 years before becoming a rural mail carrier - Rural Route 2, Gays Mills. Herb had many interests with his primary interest of serving and helping others. He was elected Gays Mills Village President for six consecutive terms. During his twelve years as Mayor, he worked diligently to promote and protect the village (from the Kickapoo) and the residents that he so loved. Herb was a recipient of the Friend to Education from North Crawford Schools in 1975. His voice could be heard booming through the PA system as announcer at every Friday night football game. He was a member of the Viroqua Country Club and made a hole-in-one on number 4. He was a proud member of the Lions Club and recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow award for 50 years of dedicated service. Herb and Eleanor retired to Hot Springs Village, AR in 1988 where they enjoyed 15 years meeting new friends and golfing. Not one to really retire, Herb took a part time job at the local Stop N Shop, marshaled on the golf course, and helped a local auctioneer with sales. After returning to Madison in 2003, they were members of the Coventry Village and All Saints Communities. Greenway Manor became his final home. The family extends deep appreciation to all the wonderful caregivers in those communities. Survivors include two daughters and four sons; Daniel of LaCrescent, MN and Mazatlan, MX, Mary Watson Burke (Gerry) of Milwaukee, Greta Watson of New York City, NY, Michael of Madison, Gregory (Elizabeth) of Arlington Heights, IL and Roger (Kim) of Stamford CT and four grandchildren, Anna, Clare, Daniel, and Jack. He was preceded in death by his wife and two brothers Donald Watson of Boscobel, WI and Gregory Watson of LaCrosse, WI A memorial Mass will be celebrated at a future date yet to be determined, and will be announced. Memorials in Herbs name may be made to North Crawford Education Foundation. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills is serving the family.