A Village Reporter feature published Oct. 23, 2026, profiles Bruce and Linda Bernath of Wauseon as the month’s Senior Spotlight honorees in connection with Veterans Day. Both are Vietnam-era U.S. Army veterans, according to the report.
Bruce Bernath said he had intended to study math and teach, but was drafted and inducted in 1971. He recalled leaving from Archbold by bus and serving at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, where he applied math skills in a mortar crew. After returning to northwest Ohio, he worked as an Archbold firefighter and EMT, handled parts for Reineke dealerships and remained involved with the Archbold American Legion.
Linda Bernath earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through a Walter Reed Army Student Nursing scholarship, trained in Army hospitals and received her degree from the University of Maryland. She retired as a lieutenant colonel, later earned a master’s degree, worked in Toledo hospitals and the Fulton County emergency department, and taught in Northwest State’s LPN program.
The couple met during Archbold Community Theater’s production of The King and I. They have used the Fulton County Senior Center in Wauseon for almost two years. Linda Bernath praised the meals as good and affordable and said they enjoy day trips; Bruce Bernath said he has discovered four relatives since joining. They also camp, travel and spend time with six children and seven grandchildren.