Walter "Cotton" Bernhard

Walter J. "Cotton" Bernhard of Freeport, died February 16, 2015 after an extended illness. He was born July 15, 1932 in Dubuque, IA., the son of Louis and Dorothy (Graver) Bernhard. Cotton served in the U.S. Army. He was employed by the Illinois Central Railroad for 40 years Cotton married Barbara Manders on October 4, 1958 in Dubuque, Iowa. He was an avid New York Yankee and Notre Dame fan and loved to play golf. Cotton is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara Bernhard; two sons, Steve (Marie) Bernhard and Gregg (Pat) Bernhard; one daughter Beth (Brian) Hopkins; six grandchildren, Chris and Daniel (Sarah) Bernhard, Conor and Drew Bernhard and Megan and Jacob Hopkins; and brother Louis (Agnes) Bernhard. Preceded in death by his parents. A memorial Mass will be Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church 1400 Kiwanis Dr. Freeport, IL. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A memorial has been established in his name. Visit the guest book at www.burketubbs.com