BERNICE MILLS
October 29, 1926 - February 12, 2010
Obituary
Bernice M. Mills, age 83, Neenah, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2010. She was born October 29, 1926 to the late Michael and Gertrude (Stuehser) Bethke. Bernice and Kendall Mills were united in marriage on May 1, 1948. Bernice enjoyed making scrapbooks, taking photos, and sharing these memories. Weekly, she attended the Chapel Prayer Chain at St. Margaret Mary Church in Neenah. She will be remembered as a nurturer, selflessly always putting others before herself. This was displayed by never forgetting anyones birthday and staying in touch with those she loved by writing heartfelt letters. Another joy of hers was baking for both her family and others. She was well known in the Valley for working at Genes Bake Shop as well as for her ability to make everyone feel special and welcome. She was also very proud and supportive of her family. Bernice is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Kendall; seven children: Peggy (Billy) Brown, Mary (Jack) Taves, Debby (Bob) Schultz, Dawn (Leroy) Schneidewend, Bill (special friend Lori) Mills, Gregg (fiance Debbie) Mills, and Kim (Keith) Reetz; 15 grandchildren: Jason Oliver, Stephanie Webb, Jon Taves, Sarah Gage, Andy Schultz, Tedd Schneidewend, Hannah Schneidewend, Kaity Shea, Abbey Mills, Alex Mills, Jillian Khadra, Benn Mills, Jim Reetz, Amber Roberts, and Logan Reetz. She is further survived by 8 great-grandchildren; a brother Paul (Phyllis) Bethke; and a sister-in-law Anita Faust. She was preceded in death by her brothers Eugene and Tony Bethke; grandson Justin Oliver; brother-in-law Gordon (Pearl) Mills; sister-in-law Norma Grab; and brother-in-law Tony Faust. The mass of Christian Burial for Bernice will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church of Neenah. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home and again on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of mass. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park, Garden of Valor. Memorials sent to the American Heart Association in Bernices name would be appreciated. God saw that mom was getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put his arms around her and whispered come with me. With tearful eyes we watched and although we loved our mom dearly, we could not make her stay. Her golden heart stopped beating; hard-working hands to rest; God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. ~Author Unknown We know she is happier now and feel she is watching over us. There is an empty place in our hearts. Mom, you were so special to everyones lives you touched. We asked God to take away your discomfort and that is what He did when He took you with Him. We cant touch you anymore, but you will be in our hearts and minds forever. Well see you in Heaven someday. We love you. Special thanks to the Fifth floor staff of Theda Clark for their compassionate care for Bernice as well as Dr. Kimberly Berg " she was Moms Guardian Angel.
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Memories
TC
Ted C
Other •
With deepest sympathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. She'll always be remembered from my youth and onward of her kindness to all.
CT
Carrie & Ron Tischer
Other •
Although I only had the pleasure of your mother's company a few times, she was a graciously warm and loving person, who always made me feel welcome. I pray that God will grant you peace and strength to deal with this trying time.
RG
Russ and Lisa Gehrke
Other •
We are thinking of you and send our love.
SP
Stuart W. Olson, Ph.D.
Other •
On behalf of the children of parents Irene Burmeister Olson and Woodrow A. Olson, both deceased, are Stuart, Cassandra, Ruth Ann, Barry, Corliss, and Christine, who wish to extend our most sincere condolences to the family, and especially to Kendall, the old sailor boy. Bernice was our family "memory bank, who knew all the most remote relatives, their birth dates, spouses and children's names, and all their interests and accomplishments, almost encyclopedia-like. She wrote letters and kept an active network alive in a way that rivals modern technologies like FaceBook and MySpace. She will be deeply missed. She taught us how to put others ahead of self. May she rest in peace.
MS
Maria (Christofil) Soulios
Other •
I was very saddend to hear about the passing of a long time friend of the family and neighbor. I will always remember Grandma Mills as this amazing woman filled with energy and love for all of her friends and family. She had this knack for always remembering my wedding anniversary and making me feel like a part of the family during Christmas with her cards and letters. She will truley be missed. My prayers go out to the entire family, may our memories of her be eternal. God Bless, Maria (Christofil) Soulios
DH
Debbie (Drechsel) Hutterer
Other •
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Bernice. She was certainly an exceptional person and will be missed everyone who's lives she has touched. You're right...she always made anyone and everyone feel welcome. It was an honor to have known her. Debbie (Drechsel) Hutterer