Bernie McSorley, age 81 of Hudson, passed away October 16, 2020 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Bernie was born December 22, 1938 in Manitowoc, WI. the son of Bernard and Charlotte (Olson) McSorley. In the summer of 1957 he graduated from Regis High School in Eau Claire, WI, and then immediately went into the Navy. He was united in marriage to Alice Ginder June 13, 1959 at St. James Church. The marriage was blessed with an amazing wife and a wonderful family that includes three children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Bernie served ten years in the Navy as an aerial photographer, and continued to work in photography before settling in Hudson where he founded and operated the McSorley Insurance Agency for forty-three years. His great sense of humor, quick wit, and ability to dish out jokes as well as receive them, served him well when working with clients and others in the community. He was an avid golfer as well as Packer and Badger fan, but nothing was more exciting to him than watching all of his grandchildren play sports. He coached 4H softball for his own family, as well as, Hudson Booster Baseball for his grandsons. Bernie attended numerous hockey, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and dance events over the years with loud cheering and of course his camera. He was proud of his family and took pride in chronologically documenting their lives through photography, where he had a room dedicated to their display. In addition, Bernie enjoyed drawing, doodling, and keeping his brain sharp with crossword puzzles. He was very passionate about his yard, where he spent the last 40 years clearing brush and trees, as well as planting to create a beautiful and peaceful landscape.
In addition to Bernie’s pride for his family, he was proud of his community and country. He was a longtime member of the Lion’s Club and passionately served as a member of the American Legion Honor Guard. Bernie could be found carrying the flag for home football games, parades, and numerous servicemen funerals. Bernie enjoyed talking to children in classrooms about the military and going to events in honor of Memorial and Veterans Day.
Bernie will remain in the hearts of his children: Karen Larson of Hudson, Marc McSorley of Hudson, and Teresa (Michael) Devine of Prescott; grandchildren: Brock (Laura) Schreiner, Brett (Sonja) Schreiner, Carynn Arend, Bryce Arend, Michael (Sarah Reas) McSorley, Anne (Antonio Kuklok) McSorley, and Philip (Morgan) McSorley, Nolan (Sarah) Devine, Tara (Ryan) Boldt; great-grandchildren: Spencer, Harley June, Brooks, Caleb, Adeline, Liliane; and brother, Thomas McSorley.
He is preceded in death by his wife Alice, his parents, daughter-in-law Stephanie McSorley, brothers Rodney and Timothy McSorley, sister Maureen McSorley, sister-in-law Barb Meyer, brother-in-law Thomas Ginder.
A visitation of family and friends will take place Wednesday October 28, 2020 from 2-4PM, Military Honors will begin at 4PM and Funeral Service will take place directly following. All will be held at The O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of his family. Interment of both Bernie and Alice will take place the following day at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. for immediate family.
