Bernard Cleary

Bernard John Cleary passed away on Saturday, July 11th at his home in Waunakee surrounded by his family. Bernie “the Barber” Cleary was born on August 3,1938 in Mineral Point, WI to Harry & Henrietta Cleary. Raised on a dairy farm near Blanchardville, WI, Bernie graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1956. With the advice of his mother, he enrolled in the Peoria Barber College and 2 years later landed in Montello, WI as an apprentice. While in Montello, Bernie met his future wife, Judith Ann Campion, and was drafted into the U.S. Army, though maybe not in that order. On August 13,1962, Bernie and Judy got married then moved to Texas where Bernie was stationed. After Bernie’s military discharge, he and Judy returned to Wisconsin and in 1966 bought a small barbershop on Main Street in Waunakee, WI. Bernie was immediately astonished by how friendly and helpful the local community was. And as his business grew, customers became familiar with Bernie’s Irish tendency to stretch the truth and have fun. 

Over the next few years, Bernie and Judy would have 4 children: Mike, Ann, Erin,and Patrick. They would be parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee for 60 years. In 1999, Bernie was named Honorary Marshall of the 1999 Waunafest Parade. And, in 2009, after 43 years, Bernie would close the shop and join the staff of Jansen’s Salon. Bernie was an avid supporter of local sports and events. Aside from attending most local sporting events, he especially enjoyed baseball and golf. Bernie served as a CYO coach and a high school umpire for many years. And just like his hero Bob Ueker, he was perpetually let down by his favorite team, the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Bernie loved life and people more than most. He did so many “little things” that were guided by love and a joyful sense of giving. For all of his career, Bernie gave free haircuts on his days off to Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Assisted Care Facilities, Prisons, and shut-ins. He worked with the Knights of Columbus to feed the homeless. And he always offered a hand to anyone who needed a ride, a babysitter, a friend, life-changing advice, and, especially, a chocolate malt.

Above all, the most important thing to Bernie was his family and friends. His wife of 63 years, Judy, was the love of his life and the beat of his heart. His children, Mike, Ann, Erin, and Patrick were the source of his enormous pride. Bernie adored his sister, Agnes, and began most of his days checking in with her. And, his grandchildren, Ben, Kate, Bryn, and Ana, will always be the overflowing joy of his life. Bernie’s smile and humor will never leave us and we’re sure he’s already getting a double scoop at Ella’s Delli in heaven!

 Plus, he’ll have another story to tell you, some of which might not be true…

Bernie was preceded in death by his son, Patrick, brother, Ronnie, parents, Harry and Henrietta, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Byron and Elaine Campion, brothers-in-law, Kelly Campion, Werner Reyser, Kent Zurflew, Archie Arrestides, and sister-in-law Diane Zurflew.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, son, Mike, daughters, Ann and Erin, grandchildren, Ben Cleary, Kate Schwitz, Bryn Cleary, and Ana Landa, sister, Agnes Reyser, son-in-laws Mike Schwitz and Juan Landa, and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St John’s the Baptist School.

Funeral services will be held on Monday July 27, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at St John’s Catholic Church 209 South St Waunakee. Friends may call at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home on Sunday July 26, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and again at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral Service

2929 Peaceful Valley Pkwy

Waunakee, WI