Bernau, Daniel Phillip (1945 to 2014) Daniel Phillip Bernau, age 68, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Rollin and Frances Bernau, one of six children. He moved to California, ultimately landing in Thousand Oaks where he lived and raised a family since 1977. His life was taken unexpectedly on Thursday, September 25, 2014 following complications from blood clots. His time amongst us found him in many roles, such as Marine Corps veteran, father, grandfather, husband and friend. During his service with the Marine Corps, Dan was honored with several medals including the Purple Heart for his time served in Vietnam. Some of the happiest moments for Dan were get-togethers with family, eating, drinking, talking and sharing stories about the latest and greatest deal he'd found. He has worn a variety of hats over the course of his life, just a few of which include his work as a machine shop engineer, his hobby as an E-Bay entrepreneur, dedicated Green Bay Packers fan and master baker of the infamous Rum cake. More recently you may have seen him enjoying his free time motoring through Thousand Oaks on his Harley with his longtime friend and love, Maria. Dan is survived by Maria; his mother Frances; his former wife Liz and their children, Steve, Ken, James and Renee; Maria's children, Alex, Robert and Claudia; Dan's five sisters, Mary, Ginny, Joyce, Janice and Joanne; and his grandchildren, Ethan, Aiden, Anna, Miriam, Kyra, Alejandro, Antonio, Cynthia and Raelle. A graveside service will be held on October 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM, at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA. Memorial donations may be made in Dan's name to Habitat for Humanity.
Published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Oct. 5, 2014