Bernice Bernthal

Bernice Bernthal, age 87 of Waupun died of Alzheimer’s disease on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2009 at the Christian Homestead Assisted Living Center in Waupun.

Bernice was born on September 30, 1921 in Galveston, Texas, the daughter of Rev. Adolph and Emilie (Woelfel) Michalk. She attended grade schools in Galveston and Fedor, Texas and was among the first group of teenagers from the rural area to attend high school in Giddings, Texas, graduating in 1940. Bernice then moved to Galveston, trained and worked as an X-Ray Technician, met and fell in love with Edward Bernthal. On December 28, 1947 they were united in marriage in Galveston, Texas.

Bernice left her job to become a full-time homemaker, devoting herself to raising their five children and supporting Ed in his teaching and music ministry. During his career they served at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in Galveston, Texas until 1956; Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Racine, Wisconsin from 1956 – 1972; and Pella Lutheran Church until Ed’s retirement in 1988. Bernice returned to the workplace from 1976 – 1983 at the Christian Home Nursing Center, eventually serving as the Activities Director.

Upon Ed’s retirement they traveled and worked with Laborer’s for Christ, constructing two new church buildings in Colorado. Bernice was an active quilter, loved to travel, enjoyed singing in the choir and participated in all aspects of church-life. Late in life she had to endure the slow deterioration of Alzheimer’s disease. One quality that never declined in her was her warm heart and compassionate interest in other people.

Bernice is survived by Edward, her husband of 61 years; four sons, John (Nancy) Bernthal of Valparaiso, Indiana; James (Gail Mitchell) Bernthal of Seattle, Washington; Timothy (Judy Tyson) Bernthal of Seattle, Washington; Thomas (Marge Wood) Bernthal of Madison, Wisconsin; daughter Carol (Byron Rot) Bernthal of Port Townsend, Washington; four grandchildren, Daniel DiPrisco; Jamie Bernthal, Benjamin Bernthal; and Serena Bernthal-Jones; and a great grand-daughter, Holly DiPrisco.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Hildegard Michalk, and two brothers, Paul and Erwin Michalk.

Bernice’s family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, May 12 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Kohl’s Community Funeral Home, 405 West Main Street, Waupun.

A Service to Celebrate Bernice’s life will be held 11am Wednesday, May 13 at Pella Lutheran Church, 315 South Madison Street, Waupun, with the Rev. Kenneth Loehrke and Rev. David Stevens officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Mound Cemetery.
A memorial fund is being established for the Lutheran Hour Ministries.