Rodney G. Bernitt, 73, a lifelong Wisconsin farmer with a deep-rooted love for the land and his family, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 21, 2026, at Vita Care Assisted Living in Stratford, after a brief illness.

Born on February 3, 1953 in Marshfield to the late Roland and Edith (Fletcher) Bernitt, Rodney's connection to agriculture began in childhood, working alongside his family on the home farm in Green Valley. He graduated from Stratford High School in 1972 and dedicated his life to the honest and honorable work of farming.

On October 12, 1974, Rodney married his beloved wife, the former Miss Reneé Hamus, and together they raised their family while building a life centered on the farm. He was a dedicated steward of the land, known for his commitment to Dairy Farming and his expertise with his International Harvester equipment.

Rodney understood that a farmer's work is never truly done; there was no retirement, not even in the winter time. He found immense joy in the simple, free things in life: the splendor of a sunrise, the feel of good soil in his hands, and the sight of his crops greening each spring. Rodney was a regular attendee at the Edgar Steam Show and Farm Tech Days and will be remembered for his dedication to preserving farming traditions. He was particularly proud of his mechanical aptitude and maintaining his own equipment. 

Rodney is survived by his beloved wife of 51½ years, Reneé; his children Carrie Bernitt of Auburndale, Jessie Bernitt of Milwaukee, Dana Bernitt of Auburndale, and Cody Bernitt of Milwaukee, and grandchildren: Alex, Oliver, Ella, and Dylan. He is further survived by siblings: Amy (Vaughn) Smith of Westboro, Douglas (Peggy) Bernitt of Auburndale, and Gary Bernitt of Auburndale; and nephews/nieces: Bob Smith, Sherry Rose, Laura Rautmann, Josh Bernitt, and Allison Seitz. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his firstborn son Dennis in childhood.

A funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 28th at 11am at the Remb Funeral Home in Marshfield with Chaplain Randy Mantik officiating. Relatives and Friends are welcome to join the family for a time of visitation at the funeral home 4-8pm Monday evening and from 10am until time-of-service Tuesday. Interment will follow in the Town of Day Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Zach & Wyatt Rose, Josh Bernitt, Dylan Bernitt-Lau, Dana Bernitt, and Bob Smith.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to St. Croix Hospice and especially Lynn Pankratz for the care given to Rodney in his final days.