Bernice A. Welker, age 85 died on Monday, September 6, 2010 at the Willows Nursing Home in Sun Prairie surrounded by her family. She was born on September 27, 1924 in Madison to William and Helen (Gugel) Friedel. She married Leonard Welker on May 7, 1977 at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in West Allis. She was an active member of Sacred Hearts, Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Anne’s Society, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and St. Cecilia’s Circle
Bernice enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her children. She had a special spot in her heart for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that came along. Bernice also enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, crocheting, and especially traveling with Leonard.
She is survived by her husband Leonard; 5 children, Susan (Ron) Schwertfeger of Sun Prairie, William Hanley of Sun Prairie, Jane (David) Nelson of Raleigh, NC, Robert (Diane) Hanley of Cleveland TX, Steven (Kitty Chan) Hanley of Pleasanton, CA; 3 step children, Sharon (Michael) Faeh of Mukwonago, Debbie (Tom) Hogan of West Allis, Pamela (Dennis) Burnet of Wauwatosa. 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 10 step-great grandchildren; sisters Catherine Larson, Madison, Gwendolyn Ellis, Sun Prairie, Alice Wright, Spokane, WA, Elizabeth Stuckmayer, Elysian, MN; a brother, Roderick (Carol) Freidel of Sun Prairie; sister-in-law, Ilene Freidel of Sun Prairie and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 1st husband, Walter Hanley in 1974; an infant son Richard; brothers, Rodney, LeRoy and Donald.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 227 Columbus St. in Sun Prairie with Monsignor Duane Moellenberndt presiding. Burial will be held at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday (Today) at the Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home, 302 Columbus Street in Sun Prairie and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Thursday. Special thank you to Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt, Sister Anne from Sacred Hearts, Dr. Motl, Prairie Gardens and The Willows for the wonderful care they have provided in the last years. In lieu of flowers, prefer donations to Sacred Hearts Buildings and Grounds.
Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home
Sun Prairie 608-837-5400
www.newcomerfh.com