Bernd "Bernard" Kurzawa

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 ^th , 1938, to Hans Hugo Max and Hildegard (Reinecke). He spent his youth in Berlin, later completing an apprenticeship at the Hotel Adlon.  Following his apprenticeship, Bernard and his family were able to escape East Germany, moving to Frankfurt where he worked at the InterContinental Frankfurt Hotel. In 1966, Bernard bravely emigrated to Chicago where he held employment at renowned establishments such as the Mid-America Club, the Drake Hotel, Café de Paris, and The Playboy Club.

It was in 1972, while in Chicago, that Bernard he met his future wife, Irene. The two decided to open their own restaurant in Stevens Point, WI, and in October 1973, Bernard's Continental Restaurant was opened. Bernard's operated for 44 years, providing the best of international cuisine in the local area. Bernard was officially recognized through many awards over the years with perhaps his most prized award coming in 1994 being named Wisconsin Restauranteur of the Year. Bernard was actively involved in the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, which he served as president of 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 serving on the Wisconsin State Apprenticeship Advisory Council.

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 parents; son Joseph; and his brother Hans.

Visitation will be held at The Beloved Community Church, 900 Brilowski Rd , Stevens Point, from 10am-12pm Friday May 13 ^th 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 in Bernd's memory are encouraged to do so to the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation.