Harold Ray Bell

Harold Ray Bell, 85, of Rhinelander, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Rennes Health & Rehab Center.

Harold was born on January 24, 1940, to Vernell and Ina Mae Bell. He was raised in Goreville, Ill., and graduated from Goreville High School in 1958. He lived in Kankakee and Cabery, Ill., for most of his life, retiring to Rhinelander.

He was employed for 25 years at General Mills/Quaker Oats. Upon retiring, he then drove a school bus. He met and married Jeanette (Lund) Bernsteen in 1993 in St. Ann, Ill. The couple moved to the Rhinelander area in 2000.

He was a lifelong musician, playing the bass for various bands in the Southern Illinois area. He was also a Boy Scout leader. 

Harold loved his family, especially celebrating birthdays. He also loved preparing meals with Jeanette and spending time with his grandkids. 

He will be dearly missed by his siblings, Carol Bishop, Vernon Bell, and Jim Bell, three children, Dawn M. Trout, Virgil V. Bell, Pearl R. Ely, Eric Bernsteen, and Brandon (Heather Grande) Bernsteen, grandchildren, Jersey Bernsteen, Roger Zick, Andrew Zick, and Mariah Zick. Also surviving are other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernell and Ina Mae Bell, two sisters, Rosie Roberts and Brenda Shell, one son, John M. Bell, one grandson, Matthew J. Bell, and both loves of his life, Nora M. Bell and Jeanette Bell. 

The visitation for Harold will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Hildebrand Funeral Home, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, from 2:30 until the 4 p.m. memorial service. Chaplain John Uhlarik will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at http://www.hildebrandrussfh.com.