BERNICE BONDOW

Bernice Eva Bondow, age 91, was received into the loving arms of her Savior on Friday, September 18, 2015. She was born on July 25, 1924 to Wallace and Eva Pingel (Knutson). On October 17, 1946 Bernice married the love of her life, Earl John Bondow. During the early years of their marriage, Bernice helped Earl with farming, and the two of them started a family and were eventually blessed with seven children. In 1962 they moved to Neenah where Bernice worked many years in the admitting department at Theda Clark Hospital. Later she worked in the offices at Neenah Foundry and at Miles Kimball in Oshkosh. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards, and spending time with her family and friends. Bernice's beautiful smile and gentle sense of humor were a constant inspiration to all who knew her. Her faith in God and gratitude for all of His blessings were evident in how she lived her life and how she raised her children. It was extremely important to her that she shared a common faith with Earl and that their children grew up knowing their Savior. Through all of the happy times, the sad times, times of good health and times of physical struggles, Bernice always trusted God's plan for her life. Until we meet again in heaven, Bernice will be remembered by her children: Thomas (Jackie) Bondow; Richard (Kathy) Bondow; Steven (Susan) Bondow; Randall (Molly) Bondow; Cheryl (Gary) Kuehn; Lisa (Steven) Utecht; Pamela (Jim) Hart, and daughter-in-law, Darcy Bondow. Her grandchildren include: Scott (Tracy) Rabideau; Jennifer (James) Bates; Stephanie (James) Schilling; Stacy (Nick) Hoehl; Daniel (Anna) Bondow; Benjamin Bondow; Crista (Mark) Pack; Lucas (Kim) Bondow; Paul (Danielle) Kuehn; Alyssa (Jon) Spreeman; Jared (Stephanie) Kuehn; Laurel (Brian) Papenfuss; Zechariah (Michelle) Utecht; Justun Hart; Britni (Tom) Adams; Courtney and Samantha Hart. She was also blessed with twenty-four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Bernice is also survived by her sister, Virginia Jury, brothers: Lyle (Etola) Pingel and Wayne Pingel, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Earl, brothers John (Helen) Pingel and Russell Pingel, brothers-in-law Emerson Jury, Wilbert (Eunice) Bondow, and sisters-in-law Carol Pingel, Lucille (Walter) Schmidt, Erna Strey, Pearl (Glenn) Krueger, and Marie (Joseph) Schmidt. The Christian Funeral Service for Bernice will be held on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church (407 Oak St., Neenah) with Rev. Tony L. McKenzie officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until the hour of service. Her Christian burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. The family would like to thank Dr. David Anderla, Lakeland Care District, Heartland Hospice, and especially the caregivers and staff of Island Shores Assisted Living for their tender and loving care of Bernice. Our special gratitude goes out to Kathy Hammen at Island Shores. Bernice's favorite hymn: Just as I am, without one plea, But that thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve. Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Just as I am, Thy love unknown Hath broken every barrier down; Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.