Bernita Margaret Perry

Bernita Margaret (Gerhartz) Perry, 96, passed away on July 14, 2023. She was born on January 25, 1927, in Stockbridge, WI, to Lewis and Ruby (Hosttetler) Gerhartz. Bernita was the fifth of nine children and often talked about her happy and loving childhood on the family farm.

On November 25, 1950, she married Robert “Bud” Perry at St. Mary’s Church in Stockbridge, WI and they celebrated 60 years of marriage before Bud passed away in May of 2011.

Bernita’s greatest joy was becoming a mother and together she and Bud raised four children. Always active and involved, Bernita dedicated herself to family, faith, and community. She was always ready and willing to help with school activities, join church organizations and participate in community projects.

Bernita enjoyed planning the yearly family vacation and her kids have fond memories of the trips they took including the 1967 World’s Fair in Montreal, Canada.

Bernita was also a talented artist who enjoyed china painting, ceramics and so much more. In 1975, after outgrowing her home ceramic business, she and Bud opened the Perry Ceramic Studio which she ran until Bud’s retirement.

Bernita loved dancing, especially ballroom and country. She was very active as both a teacher and as a participant.

Bernita is survived by her 4 children, Brian (Susan) of Mayville, Jean (Shawn) Perry-Messier of Westport, Canada, Kurt of Fond du Lac, and Karen (Phil) Craig of Palm City, Florida; grandchildren, Justin (Ashley) and Nicholas (Rebekah); great-grandchildren, Lila Mae, Harper Sue, Olivia Juls, and Theodore Alexander; her brothers, Lyle Gerhartz and Marvin Gerhartz; her sister, Donna Comerford; sisters-in-law, Ruth Gerhartz and Mary Jane Gerhartz; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud; her siblings, Lula Schoen, Armella Thiel, Irmine Denslow, Delmar Gerhartz, and Gary Gerhartz.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 20, 2023, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church-Holy Family, 200 S. Peters Ave, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at church at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM at Calvary Cemetery.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deepest appreciation the team of caregivers from Edenbrook and SSM Hospice who cared for Bernita lovingly and tirelessly until her death and earlier, the staff at Lakeview. Their presence was a tremendous comfort to her and her family.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com