Richland County Mourns Two Former Officials

Through life everyone meets an individual who has an impact that it will influence them to succeed at what they want to do in life. Bernie Couey was one of those individuals for many in Richland County. Bernie died Sunday (February 1) at home at the age of 102.

Bernie worked at Wisconsin Dairies as a milk hauler, cheesemaker and maintenance mechanic for 42 years, retiring in 1988.  Through the years he worked odd jobs, such as painting, roofing, and installing furnaces.

Both she and his wife Carol served many years on the Richland Ambulance Service. WRCO/WRCE News Director, Jo Ann Krulatz, had a chance to visit with Bernie at his 100th birthday party in January of 2024.

Bernie Couey also served as Richland County Coroner.

He served as the Richland County Coroner from 1980 to 2000. During his tenure he not only encouraged others with a positive outlook on what they did, but also to be compassionate while doing their job.

Funeral services for Bernie will be held at the Richland Center United Methodist Church next Wednesday (February 11) at 11:00.

Richland County also lost another former elected official this week. Julie Keller died Saturday (January 31). She became the Deputy Richland County Treasurer in 1989. She was appointed and then elected Richland County Treasurer in 1996 and continued to serve until her retirement October 2021 after 32 years in the Richland County Treasurer’s Office. A celebration of life for Julie will be held this Friday (February 6) at 11:00 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel.

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