Bernice G. Birkhauser

Bernice G. Birkhauser, 98, went to her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at the St. Francis Home in Fond du Lac, Wis. Bernice was born in Johnsburg, Wis. on July 21, 1918, a daughter of Frank and Amelia (Stephany) Julka. On June 21, 1941, she married Frovin A. “Bud” Birkhauser at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg. Bernice and Bud lived the rest of their lives in Fond du Lac, where they raised their seven children. For 17 years, she worked as a salesperson at Brauers.



Since October of 2004, Bernice and Bud were residents of St. Francis Terrace Assisted Living in Fond du Lac, enjoying a happy and active life together. Bud passed away September 13, 2006, after 65 years of marriage. Bernice continued her residence at St. Francis Terrace until October of 2015, when she moved to the St. Francis Home.



On June 21, 2006, Bernice and Bud celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with the entire family. They enjoyed dancing, golfing, bowling, playing cards, but most of all, family gatherings and activities. She was a member of Holy Family Parish, the St. Joseph’s Women, the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary.



Bernice was the heart and soul of her family and the embodiment of unconditional love. Her family is certain that both she and their father are dancing to Fascination or The Anniversary Waltz at this time, or listening to music by Lawrence Welk.



SURVIVORS include her 3 daughters; Sandra Birkhauser of Fond du Lac, Mary Beth (Gene) Arnold of Fond du Lac and Suzanne Headley (fiancé David Thering) of Sun Prairie, Wis.; 4 sons, Robert (Ruth) of Nekoosa, Wis., David (Therese) of Pinehurst, N.C., Daniel (Cathy) of Indianapolis, Ind. and John (Sharon) of Lake Forest, Ill. She is further survived by 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; her parents, Frank and Amelia Julka; 3 brothers, Edgar (Josephine), Bernard (Genevieve) and Wilmer (Irma); 2 sisters, Valeria (Raymond) Roehrig and Mildred (Irvin) Pauly; 1 brother-in-law, Larry (Frances) Birkhauser; and 4 sisters-in-law, Verna (Clem) Goeser, Amy (Rosie) Entringer, Estelle (Wally) Bittner and Barbara (Albert) Morgan.



In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Francis Home.



VISITATION will be held Monday, October 10, 2016 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM in the chapel of the St. Francis Home, 33 Everett St. in Fond du Lac. CELEBRATION OF LIFE will begin at 2:30 PM with Fr. Wayne Bittner officiating. Entombment in Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery will follow the services.



Guestbook and tribute wall may be found at ueckerwitt.com and facebook.com/ueckerwitt



We wish to thank the staff of the St. Francis Terrace and the St. Francis Home, especially Denise Groeschel, for their love, care and support of our parents over the past 12 years. Also, thank you to the staff of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home for their assistance in planning mom’s celebration of life.