Bernice A. Speier

MADISON/MILWAUKEE- Bernice A. Speier, age 94, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg.  Bernice was born on July 21, 1923, to John and Anna (Hable) Pankratz in Hewitt, Wis. She later moved to Milwaukee to be in the big city. She met her husband of 70 years, Carl, at the Eagles Ballroom and they were married May 17, 1947, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Hewitt.  Bernice worked as a housekeeper when she came to Milwaukee, then at Cutler Hammer, and had a long career in retail at Woolworths, W.T. Grants, Gimbels, Treasure Island and Zayres. She loved being with people, her trips to Las Vegas with Carl, sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening, especially her roses, and baking her favorite Christmas cookies. Bernice enjoyed her monthly card club with Marge, Rose and Thelma. She moved to the Madison area to be closer to her family and was able to attend her grandson's wedding last summer.  Bernice was a devoted wife to Carl, a mother to her son, David, a mother-in-law to Margie and a wonderful, loving grandmother to her grandson, Matt, with whom she enjoyed many shopping trips, and times together.  He could always light up her face when he came to visit even through her last days.  Bernice is survived by her husband, Carl; son, David (Margie); grandson, Matt (Lindsey); sisters, Donna (Myron) Zygarlicke, Rita Kusta, Tina Leffel and Virginia Williams; brother, Jerry (Pat) Pankratz; brother-in-law, Ray Williams; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ray Pankratz; sisters, Mathilda Frey, Lorraine Fischer, Jeanette Williams, Dorothy Williams, and lsabel Kohl; sister-in-law, Margaret Pankratz; and brothers-in-law, Don Frey, Bud Fischer, Willis Leffel, Bob Williams, Howard Kohl and Jim Kusta.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2018, with Fr. Gary Wankerl officiating.  A visitation will be held the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. A private burial will be held at a later date in Milwaukee.  We would like to thank Dr. Goran Rudic and staff in Milwaukee for their care over the years both near and far, Dr. Redentor Galang who helped Bernice over her eight years with depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, Caring Senior Services caregivers in Milwaukee who cared for her in her home, Goodwill Meals on Wheels, Milwaukee and Duane who delivered each meal with care and fun, the caregivers at Coventry Sebring Village in Madison who assisted her daily, EMT's, St. Mary's ER and Hospital staff for their care, and especially the staff at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg who showed her dignity, compassion and love in her final days. We will never forget the kindness of everyone who helped Bernice.  Memorials can be made to a charity of your choice in Bernice's name.  Thank you dear Bernice, our wife, mother and very loved grandma. We will miss you so much but know you are in Heaven watching over us. If you know anyone who has dementia and Alzheimer’s, please give them a hug and understand their journey is not an easy one. They need your love and compassion now more than ever.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.  Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608) 835-3515