Bernard "Berm" Stiver

Bernard “Berm” Stiver, 100, of Merrill joined Carol, his wife of over six decades, in heaven with God on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

He will certainly be remembered for his devotion to God that was well balanced with a good-natured sense of humor, his great hugs, his stories, and the amazing craftmanship that Berm and Carol practiced together in refinishing antiques. No one could restore a piece of furniture out of what seemed to be a pile of scrap wood or fix an old bicycle better than Berm. He also was very happy that he and his wife retired in time to take road trips to see the oceans and the gulf, as well as to visit relatives on both US coasts.

Berm was a proud veteran of the US Navy, having served on the ship “Joseph E. Wing” in World War II. He and several of his high school friends “overstated” their ages, to enter the US Military before the age of 18 to help win this war. He was also proud that he completed his GED, to make up for leaving high school early. He spent a long career in the door and window industry, mainly as a foreman for Anson Gilkey, Merrill and Weathershield, Medford.

A happy milestone event was his 100th birthday party in Assisi Hall in August. With Stiver and Lambrecht family from all over the country, residents and staff from Bell Tower, many friends and neighbors including a Keg Club member (Marge), he enjoyed having lively intelligent conversations with over 150 people. Berm talked about how humbled and honored he was with this gathering nearly daily.

Berm is survived by his brother, Dennis “Dunk” Stiver; his five children, Joanne (Mark) Bronsteatter, Deb Mattson, Mary (Carl) Moscherosch, Mike (Amy) Stiver, and Dan (Martina) Stiver. He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Berm was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mabel Stiver; his wife, Carol (Lambrecht) Stiver; his siblings, William (Mary) Stiver, Corinne (Vic) Orcelletto, Yvonne “Bonnie” Beauparlant, and Fred (Jackelyn) Stiver, his sister-in-law, Marilyn (nee Aschbrenner) Stiver; his son-in-law, Nick Mattson; and his great granddaughter, Gabrielle Marie Mattson.

Dad really enjoyed visiting and praying with Chaplain John, Chaplain Phyllis, Father Charlie, and the Holy Cross Sisters. He loved all of the caring Bell Tower Staff. He enjoyed his walks around the Bell Tower neighborhood and in bad weather and at night around the halls. He loved visiting with fellow residents and any visitors. He loved to make people smile.

The family of Berm would like to thank all of the wonderful staff at Bell Tower, the Bell Tower Clergy, and the Aspirus Hospice team.

In lieu of flowers, Berm’s wishes were for donations to the Holy Cross Sisters of Merrill and the Bell Tower Activity Fund.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, February 28, 2026. The visitation will begin at 11:00 A.M. and the memorial service will begin at 1:00 P.M. at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com