MIDDLETON - Bernadine “Bernie” Ernestine Maulbetsch, age 91, of Middleton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on July 7, 1934, in Ridgeville, Wis., the daughter of Ernst and Esther (Von Haden) Prechel.

Bernie graduated from Tomah High School. On June 4, 1955, Bernie married the love of her life, James, they were happily married for 45 years.

Bernie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Order of Eastern Star, OES Melody Chapter and Red Hat Society. Bernie was a vibrant heart of her family, a devoted, reliable, and wonderfully organized mother who embraced the many joyful times together. She enjoyed playing the organ, especially for anyone who visited her and with her organ group at Forbes Maher. She always looked forward to playing cards with friends (bridge, 500 and euchre), not only for the challenge and fun of the game, but also for the conversations and connections. She especially loved the many cats she had throughout the years and tending to her flowers. We can’t forget Bernie’s love of chocolate, so much that she kept a chocolate stash in her cupboard and always offered it to anyone who visited her.

Bernie will be missed by her daughters, Lynn (partner, Bill Woodson) Maulbetsch, Julie (Dave) Loecher and son, Gary (Regina) Maulbetsch; grandchildren, Max (Cassie) Maulbetsch, Macie Maulbetsch, Sarah Loecher and Brady Loecher; great-grandchildren, Leo and Tate Maulbetsch; sister-in-law, Helen Maulbetsch; and numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Ernst; husband, James; siblings, Vivian Hall, Arlis Thompson and Arlene Cooper; father and mother-in-law, Jessie and Frank Maulbetsch; and brother-in-law, Charles Maulbetsch.

We are deeply thankful for the loving care Bernie received from the excellent staff at Agrace Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at LAKEVIEW PARK, 6300 Mendota Ave., Middleton, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Middleton, Wis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Bernadine "Bernie" Ernestine Maulbetsch

July 07, 1934 - July 12, 2025

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