Bernard Rodney Prusik, "Bernie", died at Shawano Medical Center from complications brought on by the new COVID variant. Though vaccinated, his age, 81, and poor health worked against him.

Bernie was born on August 27, 1940, to the late Bernard Adolph and Jeanette (Kupsky) Prusik in Shawano. When he was young, Bernie loved sports, especially basketball. He was the back-up center on the Shawano boys' basketball team that won state in 1957. For many years, he would take vacation to visit the annual boys' basketball tournament in Madison.

Bernie served in the Army and was stationed in Korea. Upon discharge, he began work in the Appleton area; first at Fox Tractor, and then Appleton Coated Paper and Elm Tree Bakery before owning his own small engine and rental business, also in Appleton.

Bernie hunted and fished most of his life, mainly for the card playing and story telling with family and friends. In retirement, his favorite outdoor activity was to drive slowly along the DNR and backroads of the U.P. and northern Wisconsin. Bernie also loved his Packers, Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers. He passionately followed every game on t.v.

Bernie, during the last years of his life, lived a life of dedication to his family of Beverly Lindow (Fiancée), and best friend, Larry Wright. Bernie benefitted greatly from their love and support. He is also survived by four children, five grandchildren, brother, Dennis Prusik, and sister-in-law, Maryellen Maietta.

Funeral mass will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano at 11:00 on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Visitation with urn present will occur at 9:30 am until the time of service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.