Bernard J. Heit, age 84 of Arkansaw, died Monday, February 7, 2022 at Ellsworth Health Services with family members by his side.

Bernard was born on September 8, 1937 in Pepin County. He was the son of Clarence and Thelma (Schaffner) Heit. Bernard grew up in Arkansaw and graduated from Arkansaw High School. He went on to college and got his teaching degree and played basketball at UW-Eau Claire. Bernard married Evelyn Sabelko of Lima on June 10, 1958 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lima, rural Durand. He started his teaching career in New Auburn teaching high school math and science. Along with teaching he was a pig farmer. He taught at Fall Creek, Mondovi, Owen-Withee and Pepin, where he retired. After retirement he continued to teach for a bit in Durand. Through his career he also taught computer science and driver’s ed. Bernard also coached JV basketball for several years. He mentored many young people and influenced a lot of lives.

Bernard enjoyed many activities including hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing cards. He was a master at complaining how bad his cards were but would still win the game. Bernard was often teasing people and laughing at their reactions. He was a positive role model for not only his children and grandchildren but the hundreds of students that went through his classroom. He will be greatly missed.

Bernard is survived by his eight children; Jeffrey (Laurie) Heit of Plum City; Bernard (Kathy) Heit of Cottage Grove, Cheryl (Dennis) Chamberlain of Verona; Shelly (Dave) Kaiser of Eau Claire; Mark (Barb) Heit of Pepin; Nancy (Brian) O'Neill of Lake City, MN; Tim (Tricia) Heit of Elk Mound; and Donny Heit of Arkansaw; 22 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and three more on the way. He is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, his parents, one brother, Clarence Jr. and one sister LaRena Kolve.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00AM Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arkansaw with Rev. Jerry Hoeser officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00PM Tuesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Condolences

1. Debbie Waltman February 17, 2022, at 7:05am

   My condolences to the Heit family. Bernard was a wonderful man. I remember when I was younger all the good times he had with my mom and dad (Jim and Marge). Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers..... I was a Traun, Ricks sister.

2. Sandy Drier February 15, 2022, at 8:43am

   So sorry to the Heits for your loss. There will be many stories told in heaven between our parents.

3. Donna Karshbaum February 14, 2022, at 8:44pm

   So Sorry for Your Loss Bernard was a Great Guy, God Bless You All, You all Have our Deepest Sympathy ????❤️????

4. Joe and Jan Drier February 14, 2022, at 12:57pm

   Sending our Sympathy and Prayers to the Heit Family!

5. Darleen Bauer February 13, 2022, at 10:03am

   My sincere sympathy to the Heit family. So sad to have another member of the Lima card group gone; Bernard did make those games a challenge!

6. David & Dorothy Anibas February 12, 2022, at 1:10pm

   Heit family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
   I enjoyed the many times golfing with Bernard and
   the team.Rest in peace Bernard!

7. Vicky Biederman February 11, 2022, at 8:10pm

   Shelly, So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers sent to you and your family.

8. Richard Karshbaum February 11, 2022, at 6:43pm

   God Bless The Heit Family, So Sorry for Your Loss, Love You All ????????❤️????????

9. Paul Rasmussen February 11, 2022, at 9:08am

   Mr. Heit was a respectable teacher at Owen-Withee back in the 60’s. He cared about your education and overall well being. God’s Grace to him and his Family.

10. David Eskelson February 10, 2022, at 8:28pm

    Favorite teacher and my 2 favorite memories are him chucking during drivers Ed driving with his foot on the brake while the student didn’t know why the car wouldn’t move and also how got more for his money when we played golf in Durand

11. Kathy Hutter-Messier February 10, 2022, at 5:51pm

    Condolences to Donnie and the rest of the Heit family. Loved Bernard's sense of humor and great conversations. He was an awesome neighbor as well. May your memories make you smile!!

12. Scott Jalling February 10, 2022, at 12:24pm

    My sympathy to his family

13. Patti & Rick Gould February 10, 2022, at 9:15am

    Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Heit family. Bernie was a wonderful man, teacher and co-worker. He had such a caring way about him. He will be missed.

14. Judy and John parr February 10, 2022, at 9:05am

    Sorry for your loss

15. Steve Schultz February 10, 2022, at 7:31am

    My sincere condolences to the family. I first met Bernie when I was a sophomore at Mondovi High. I became reacquainted about 45 years later at the Durand golf course. Bernie was a fine and honorable man who influenced many lives. May he Rest In Peace.
    Steve Schultz

16. Maralyn & LaVere Anderson February 9, 2022, at 6:31pm

    Our heartfelt sympathy to the Heit families. Bernard was truly a kind hearted gem! He will be missed by all who knew him.

17. Don and Jane Rahman February 9, 2022, at 5:20pm

    Pepin County, and the Heit family have lost a very special person with loads of personality ! Rest well, Bernie !

18. Diane Longsdorf February 9, 2022, at 4:45pm

    So very sorry for your loss. My parents enjoyed so many evenings with Bernard & Evelyn, playing cards and sharing some good laughs.

19. Joanne Hovey February 9, 2022, at 3:50pm

    Sympathy to the family for your loss.

20. Sandy Larsonl February 9, 2022, at 3:40pm

    My Sympathy goes out to Bernard's Family, so sorry for your loss. What a good neighbor enjoyed him Evelyn and their Family when they lived on Farm Hill. Love & Prayers to all. Sandy Larson

21. Peggy Kralewski February 9, 2022, at 3:29pm

    Truly sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of him playing cards with mom and dad. He was always kind and gave me a hard time in his teasing way. He will be missed.

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