Joe Bera

PENCE, Wis. - Joseph "Joe" Bera, 79, of Pence, passed away on March 13, 2021, in Arkansas.

Joe was born in Antigo, the son of Joseph Bera and Esther Bera (Muench) on Sept. 29, 1941. He went to school in Antigo. He married Cheryl Huotari on May 28, 1966, in Milwaukee.

Joe was a Marine and served in the Vietnam War, and he was one of the Marines selected to groom the ski hill at Squaw Valley for the 1960 Winter Olympics. Joe won the bull riding event at Camp Pendleton, California. He worked as a horse trainer for most of his life along with many other jobs and Joe was a chef, iron worker, bear hunting guide and had a wreath business.

Joe is survived by wife, Cheryl Bera; three sons, Travis (Lisa) and daughter Cassandra, of Marquette, Michigan; Chad and daughters Zoi and Camila, of Rhinelander, and Justin, of Ironwood, Michigan; three daughters, Melanie Anderson (Dan) and son David, of Greenfield, Minnesota; Dawn MacDonald (John) and daughters Ashley and Brittany, of Otsego, Minnesota; and Jessica Bianchi (Ron), of Ironwood; brother; Don, of Stevens Point; and several nieces and nephews.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Larry (Yogi) of Antigo; and sisters-in-law, Joy Bera, and Tammy Bera, of Antigo.

Joe was always full of adventure and good times. You could count on a good story any time you were able to visit with him. Joe was an excellent cook and spent a lot of time feeding everyone. Joe put on many benefits for his fellow horsemen at Canterbury Park. He was known for his pig roasts.

Joe was an avid fisherman, hunter, and horseman. He loved animals and always had interesting characters involved in his life. His children had every pet possible: goats, raccoons, crows and always horses to name a few. He was a cowboy at heart and enjoyed the racetrack and horses all his life.

Anyone who knew him, knew he would literally give you the shirt off his back and a meal to go with it. He was married for 54 years with six children and he greatly enjoyed his grandchildren. There was always a lot of "horsing" around with Joe. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Out of respect for Joe's wishes cremation has taken place.

A celebration of life will be announced and held in the summer.

The family of Joe Bera wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Mac Robertson and Cecily of Arkansas for their hospitality and caring during this time.

Condolences can be mailed to: The family of Joe Bera, 1106 Wisconsin Highway 77, Montreal, WI 54550.

An article on Bera can be read at: https://www.nwaonline.com/

news/2021/mar/21/sir-wellington-wins-gazebo-after-beras-death/?sports-prosports.