Bernard L. Senoracki, 83, Wausau, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau.

He was born July 11, 1939 in Birnamwood, the son of the late Raymond and Margaret (Delikowski) Senoracki, and older brother to Bernice M. Scheel. On Oct. 7, 1961, he married Judith A. Wirsing. She preceded him in death.

Bernie attended Wausau Senior High and grad¬uated in 1957. He was involved in FFA and was on the baseball team.

Bernie met Judy when they both worked at Citi¬zen's Bank. Judy would leave Ford gumballs on his desk as a joke, because Bernie was a Chevy guy, and owned a '57 Chevy.

Bernie was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1961. He served for 2 years, spending 16 months in Germany. He remained a sergeant in the Army Reserve in the 376th Finance Disbursing section. He was also certified in Nuclear Warhead assembly.

Bernie started playing the accordion when he was 9 years old and performed on public radio at the age of 15. He formed a polka band, Bernie's Polka Dots, and performed for many weddings, public dances, and also donated his time and talent at area nursing homes. He played the accordion for over 50 years! Bernie and Judy also enjoyed dancing. Their favorite stop after dancing was Sam's for shrimp and onion pizza.

Bernie continued to play baseball for many years. He went to Florida for professional baseball tryouts with the Washington Senators, but left when his friend got cut, for fear of not having a ride back to Wisconsin. He played in local leagues at the Eau Claire Dells and for the old timer's slow pitch softball league in Birnamwood.

Bernie's first jobs were in finance, at Citizen's Bank and First National Bank. He later transitioned to sales, and sold Locke Homes, Cleary Buildings, Harvestore silos, and water treatment systems. He owned his own water purification business, B&D Water Refiners, for many years. His true passion was water treatment, and he continued to advocate for water quality in the community until his passing.

Bernie and Judy bowled in a league with their friends Dennis and Dor¬othy Schroeder for many years at Mountain Lanes. They collected many trophies for their efforts. They also had many late nights playing cards with the Schroeder's.

Bernie was meticulous in caring for his lawn. He loved mowing, and even enjoyed raking and picking up the many pinecones that accumulated. He took the pinecones to the National Forest Service to plant new trees, and be used in wreaths and decorations.

Bernie and Judy enjoyed fishing, and would rent a cottage with family each summer. He also enjoyed deer hunting with his brother-in-law, Jim's family, and rabbit hunting with his father. He passed that love of hunting and nature along to his daughter, Becky. His daughter Lori inherited his love of playing softball. Bernie enjoyed cheering on his daughters and grandsons when they played sports.

Survivors include his daughters Becky (Darien) Dierkes and Lori (Nathan) Helke, and grandsons Landon and Vance Dierkes and Marshal and Parker Helke. He is also survived by sister-in-law Gloria Palmer and nieces Tracy Scheel, Jonelle Palmer, and Jenny Spear. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Bernice, brothers-in-law James J. Scheel and Roger Palmer and nephew William (Billy) Palmer.

A memorial mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 18 at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Wausau. Fr. Tom Lindner will preside. Internment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations to the National MS Society.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wausau Manor, Aspirus Pallia¬tive Care, Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society, Restlawn Memorial Park staff, American Legion Post 10, and St. Anne's.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS