Ernie Bearder, 72, of 1004 W. Burnett St., Beaver Dam, died on Monday, June 18, 2001, at his home.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, June 21, at 11 a.m., at the Koepsell Funeral Home, Beaver Dam. The Rev. Eileen Kuehnl will officiate. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens, town of Trenton. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Beaver Dam American Legion Post No. 146.

Mr. Bearder was born on June 11, 1929, in Beaver Dam, the son of Lester and Susan (Taylor) Bearder. He was married on Oct. 16, 1954, to Marlene R. Bradley in Randolph.

Mr. Bearder was a graduate of Beaver Dam High School. He was employed with the Beaver Dam Post Office for 27 years, retiring in 1991. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Beaver Dam American Legion Post No. 146, a member of Trinity Church United Methodist, and also served on the police and fire commission for many years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and bowler. He also enjoyed woodworking.

Survivors include two daughters, Sherri Bearder, Madison, and Leesa Bearder, Cudahy; three sisters, Betty (Budd) Knoll, Beaver Dam, Maryann (Dwight) DeSalva, Green Bay, and Susan Bearder, El Cajon, Calif.; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his angels, Judi and Jennifer Rhodes; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Marlene, in 1993.

Friends may call on Wednesday, June 20, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Koepsell Funeral Home, Beaver Dam, and on Thursday, June 21, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.