Bernard J Vanderpoel, “Bernie”, age 79, of Baldwin, WI, died on the morning of January 24, 2013 at the Baldwin Care Center.  Bernie was born on October 4, 1933 in Ortonville, MN to James and Grace (Keeler) Vanderpoel.  He grew up on the family farm in Bock, Minnesota.  In 1953 he met Marilyn Pabst at the Hammond Roller Skating Rink.  The two dated for a year and were united in marriage on May 1, 1954 at the Woodside Church in Baldwin.  The marriage was blessed with three daughters; Janet, Sue and Nancy.  Bernie lived and worked on several dairy farms before owning his own in Clayton.  He and Marilyn farmed there for 5 years until retiring due to health reasons.  He then moved to Hammond, WI and took on a job as a trucker for Dick Schmidt (County Market in Hudson).  Bernie retired from trucking after 23 years of service.  He and Marilyn made their final move to Baldwin in 1998 where they remained close to family and friends.

Bernie was a hard-working man with a great sense of humor.  He was always a jokester with his friends and family.  He loved his tractors and trucks and enjoyed showing off his toy tractor collections.  His International tractors always had a special place in his heart.  Bernie was a dedicated family man and attended many family functions as well as school and sporting events for his grandchildren.

Bernie is survived by his; wife of 58 years, Marilyn of Baldwin; his daughters, Janet (Dennis) Chilson of Spring Valley, Sue Graunke of Clayton, Nancy (Dave) Jacobson of Baldwin; six grandchildren, Jeff (Brenda), Brian and Kevin Chilson, Jill (Ryan) Amundson, and Kyle and Korey Jacobson; five great-grandchildren, Samantha, Bradley, Garrett, Brandon and Waylon; sister, Doris Hanson of Centuria, WI; brother, LaVerne of Missouri and many other family members and friends.

Bernie is preceded in death by his; parents, James and Grace Vanderpoel; brother, Marlo; sister, Lillian and son-in-law, LaMoine Graunke.

A funeral celebration of Bernard’s life will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at the Historic Woodside Place, 2053 Cty N in Baldwin.  Burial will take place at the Hammond Cemetery.  Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to services at the church as well as from 4-7pm on Monday, January 28 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Baldwin Chapel.  Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Baldwin Chapel.  715.684.3434