Bertrand “Bert” Du Jardin, of Waukesha, WI died peacefully at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, WI on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at the age of 86.
Beloved husband of Elvina (nee Hoffman) for 65 years. Loving father of Paul M. Du Jardin (Wendy) of Lewis Port, KY, Darlene Kozlowski (Tim Congemi) of New Berlin, WI and Mary (Richard) Neustaedter of Eagle, WI. Proud grandfather of Heather Litkenhaus, Haley Sublett, Erik Kozlowski and Kaela Kozlowski. Great grandfather to Ava Sublett and Jacob Sublett. Dear brother of Martha (late Les) Seggermen of South Bend, IN and Walt (Sandy) Dujardin of Elkhorn, WI. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was born on December 23, 1927 in Mishawaka, IN to the late Alberic and Irene (Van Nieuwenhuyse) Dujardin. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Ida Dujardin, Sido Whitbeck and Augusta Carner, and two brothers, James and Robert.
Bert and his siblings loved performing music and were known as the “Fabulous Dujardins”. They played at several Mishawaka venues including a weekly gig at the Broederenkring Belgian Club.
Following the onset of WWII, Bert enlisted in the Army at age 17. He proudly served his country as an artillery mechanic with the 178th Bomb Disposal Squadron and was a recipient of the WWII Victory Medal. He was a member of the American Legion DJ Martin Post #8 and the Waukesha VFW Post #721.
Bert moved his family to Waukesha, WI in 1960. He retired from Express Freight Lines after 40 years of service which gave him ample time to pursue once again his love of music. He joined the Mason, Scottish Rite 32 Degree in Wisconsin and then joined the Shrine Band as a Baritone player. He later served as Director of the Drum and Bugle Corp. He also played with the 1st Brigade Band and the Milwaukee City Band.
He loved his family dearly and felt truly blessed when they were all gathered together. He also loved feeding all the birds and squirrels in his yard. It was a daily ritual in which he never failed to perform.
A sincere thank you to AngelsGrace Hospice for their devoted care and support.
A private celebration of Bert’s life will be held at a later date. Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Service is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at
www.waukeshafunerals.com
to leave the family an online tribute message.
“Glad you got to see me again”