#MIDDLEBURY
Dr. Bernard F. Oemcke, 86, of Southbury returned to the Lord on Dec. 26 surrounded by his loving wife, Jean, and their children in the comfort of his home.
Born Oct. 31, 1930, he was the son of the late Frederick and Ellen (Lindahl) Oemcke of Naugatuck. While still a baby, he contracted polio, an event that would not only alter but truly shape the direction and outlook of his life. The challenge caused by polio gave him the instincts of a survivor and the drive to help others heal physically and spiritually.
Bernie graduated from Naugatuck High School and received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Connecticut. While working at the Bristol Company on summer break, he met the love of his life, Jean (Poole), and they married in 1954. In 1957, he graduated from the Chiropractic Institute of New York and began a more than 50-year career in holistic treatment and education.
Always striving to further his ability to improve the lives of his patients, he continued his education throughout the rest of his life. He became a Diplomat in Chiropractic Orthopedics in 1974 and a Fellow in the American Chiropractic Orthopedic Association in 1983. He received his degree in homeopathy in 1991 and his doctorate in clinical nutrition in 1992. He is a past state board examiner and a past insurance examiner in chiropractic orthopedics and neurology for the New England Chapter of the American Chiropractic Association, and a former member of the board of examiners for the Connecticut Chiropractic Association. He was licensed in acupuncture and applied kinesiology, and, later in his career, he attained his degree in veterinary orthopedic manipulation.
But Bernie’s greatest love was his family and the time spent with them at their home and pond in Middlebury, as well as his Cape Cod getaway. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and beach lover, and truly believed that Halloween should be a national holiday! His twinkling blue eyes and ready smile are cherished and will be missed by many.
Aside from his beloved wife of 62 years, Bernie is survived by his children, Patricia (John) Rowland of Middlebury; Gail Sluis of Brewster, Mass.; Cheryl Summa of Burlington, Vt.; and Dr. Glen (Kathleen) Oemcke of Southbury. He also leaves his adoring grandchildren, Scott (Alex) Largay, Julian Summa, and Evan, Jason, Lauren, Katelyn, Meghan, Ellen and Ryan Oemcke, as well as his step-grandchildren, Julianne Rowland, RJ Rowland and Kirsten (Matt) Velezis. He was predeceased by a son, Brian; his grandson, Ryan Largay; his son-in-law, Brian Sluis; and his sisters, Althea Brennan and Louise Giner.
There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life of love and faith will be held Friday, Dec. 30, at 11:30 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Church at 1263 West St. in Middlebury. Friends should meet directly at the church. Contributions can be made to the Greater Waterbury Campership Fund, P.O. Box 2090, Waterbury, CT 06722. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.
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