Bernard J. Kulig

INDEPENDENCE – Bernie J. Kulig, age 89, died Friday, February 19, 2010 at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Arcadia. He was born January 9, 1921 in Whitehall to Louis J. and Anna (Slaby) Kulig. He married Delores Waldera August 24, 1949 in Independence. He served in World War II with the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 and was a member of the Army National Guard of Arcadia for three years. He was a life member of Sura-Wiersgalla American Legion Post 186 of Independence. Bernie was a wholesale candy and tobacco distributor for a number of years. He worked for the U.S. Post Office in Independence for 29 years, retiring in 1982. From 1982 to 1988, he managed the Pro Shop at the Arcadia Country Club and also served 6 years on their board of directors. He later delivered Meals on Wheels for 12 years. Bernie enjoyed playing and watching all kinds of sports. He received many awards in bowling, baseball, a hole in one in golf, and a basketball state tournament appearance in 1939. He was very involved with the community and in his church. Bernie was consistently involved and passionate about his support of public education and sports in Independence. He loved life and gardening. He had a special gift of sharing his humor with everyone. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. Survivors include his beloved wife Delores of 60 years of Independence; one son Michael (Sue Morchinek) Kulig of Prescott, Wis.; three daughters, Debra (Bill) Kampa of Independence, Karen Kulig of Independence, Mo., and Fay (Chris) Joyce of Alameda, Calif.; a sister, Mary Schenewerk of Rochester, Minn.; a brother, Al (Ginny) Kulig of Independence; six grandchildren, Scott (Holly) Kampa, Kim (Matt) Clatt, Carmen Kampa (fiancé Nate Lee), Lee Kampa, Alyssa and Ian Joyce; four great-grandchildren, Brenna and Ashlyn Clatt, Catherine and Sophia Kampa. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sister Euphrosine Kulig and Tracy Bautch; two brothers, Aloizy and Ed F. Kulig; and two infant brothers. Bernie will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with Rev. David C. Kunz officiating. Burial, with military rites, will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Edison Funeral Home, Independence, where there will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. followed by a rosary, and from 9 a.m. until time of services at the church on Thursday. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bernard J. Kulig, please visit our flower store.