Bernd “Bernard” Kurzawa, 83
Bernd “Bernard” Kurzawa, age 83 of Stevens Point passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Friday May 6, 2022.
Bernard was born in Berlin Germany on October 30, 1938, to Hans Hugo Max and Hildegard (Reinecke). Bernard grew up in Berlin and completed an apprenticeship at the Hotel Adlon. After completing his apprenticeship, he and his family were able to escape East Germany and he moved to Frankfurt to work at the InterContinental Frankfurt Hotel.
In 1966, he moved to Chicago to work for the Mid-America Club. After fulfilling his obligations to them, he later worked at the Drake Hotel, Café de Paris, and then became Front of House Manager at The Playboy Club.
In 1972 while working in Chicago he met his future wife, Irene. They married 6 months later. After a year together they decided to open their own restaurant in Stevens Point. In October 1973, Bernard’s Continental Restaurant was opened. Bernard’s was open for 44 years; Bernard’s was known for international cuisine.
He won many awards over the years and in 1994 was named Wisconsin Restauranteur of the Year. Bernard was also actively involved in the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, for which he served as president in 1998. Bernard also believed in reinstalling the importance of apprenticeships and served on and helped create the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education foundation as well as served on the Wisconsin State Apprenticeship Advisory Council. Bernard’s closed in May of 2017.
In addition to his love for cooking, Bernard loved spending time at their condominium in the Dominican Republic. Going on walks with his dogs Tessa and Duke. He also had a zest for knowledge about science and the universe and loved science fiction.
He is survived by his loving family: wife Irene, sons Eric, Kurt (Sarah), and grandson Kellan. Preceded in death by his brother Hans, and son Joseph.
Visitation will be held at The Beloved Community Church, 900 Brilowski Rd., Stevens Point, from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 13, with a service to follow.
The Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.pisarskifuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution to Bernd’s memory are encouraged to do so to the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation at https://www.wirestaurant.org/donate1.html.
