Obituary of Frederick W. Bernthal

The Lord called his good and faithful servant Frederick William Bernthal home on June 17th, 2024. He died peacefully in his sleep. Fred was born to Richard and Agnes (Neuchterlein) Bernthal in Frankenmuth, Michigan on July 26, 1928. He married Shirley Bickel on August 28, 1954 and would have celebrated 70 happy years of marriage in August. His career took them to Morris Plains, NJ in 1972, where he enjoyed a long life full of family, hard work, community service and much laughter.

Fred graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1946. He served his country in the Army from 1951 to 1952. He earned his Bachelor and then Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan by 1957. His German heritage and language served him well in his fulfilling, life long career with BASF Corporation in Finance until his retirement as Vice Chairman of North America. After many years volunteering with his church communities of Trinity Lutheran Church, Morris Plains, NJ and Somerset Hills Lutheran Church, Basking Ridge, NJ, Fred continued to serve during retirement as a Regent for Concordia College in Bronxville, NY and as a board member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Foundation.

Fred was beloved by his extended family and friends. His good nature, dry wit and comedic timing will be sorely missed by many. ‘Poppy’ was blessed with many years enjoying family life, taking in New York City culture, golfing, vacationing at Lake George, NY, traveling the world and rooting for his Detroit Tigers and Michigan Wolverines. His fishing success was uncanny and his wiffleball career extended into his eighties, ending with a disputed call on a diving tag.

Fred is survived by his wife Shirley, and three children; Susan Bernthal, Douglas Bernthal and Amy (Thomas) Yoder; grandchildren Ashley (Zach Johnson) Bernthal, James Hopkin, Leland Yoder and Ruby Yoder; great grandchild Payton Johnson.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his brothers Arnold (Doris), Wilmar (Lorna), Edward (Berniece) and Herbert (Frances) Bernthal, and sister Lucy (Fred) Conzelmann.

Visitation will be at Dangler Funeral Home in Morris Plains, NJ on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Funeral service will take place on Monday, June 24th, 2024 at 10 a.m at Somerset Hills Lutheran Church in Basking Ridge, NJ with burial following in Somerset Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frederick’s name to Heifer International or the charity of your choice