BERNICE ZIMMERMAN

Bernice M. (Bonack) Zimmerman passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Sunday, January 18, 2015. Bernice was born March 12, 1921 on a farm near Mayville, WI. She was the eldest daughter of the late Louis and Esther (Frank) Bonack. As a child she grew up with many happy memories and stories that she shared with her family. Some of the fond memories included playing steel guitar with her sister and two friends on a radio station near Mayville, being in 4-H, and gong to dances in town. Bernice was very proud to be a Navy Veteran. She joined the WAVEs and served our country from 1943-1945. She was also a 60+ year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Bernice also was invited many times to speak to the students of Neenah and Menasha schools regarding her time in the service during WWII and growing up during the depression. Bernice met the love of her life, Ernest "Pat" Zimmerman through her best friend, Katherine Zimmerman, who later became her sister-in-law on November 28, 1959. After 55 years of marriage, they were still, and always will be, Forever Sweethearts. She spent much of her life raising her five children with a lot of love and understanding. She was also "Mom" to many extended children. Everyone knew they could always come to her with anything and she would be there with love and guidance. Her family and grandchildren were the light of her life. She spent hours telling them the stories of her life and adventures. And she always made sure that there were juice boxes and cookies. Bernice loved adventure and traveling very much. She also enjoyed square dancing, crocheting, going with her husband to the 4th Marine Division reunions, and family genealogy. She also enjoyed attending family reunions and events. Bernice was a longtime member of Martin Luther Church in Neenah, WI. She was also a member of WAVE National. She was well loved by all who knew her. Everyone loved listening to her and learned so much about life and history from her stories. Bernice's smiles, humor, kind and loving nature will be missed dearly by all her friends and family. Bernice is survived by her husband Ernest "Pat;" four daughters: Barbara Johnson, Oshkosh; Brenda (Harold) Willems, Menasha; Dawn Zimmerman, Neenah; and Jean (Bob) Woelfel, Neenah; and one son, Daniel Prestridge, Nevada. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Joel Gall; Amanda (Dave) Curtis; Shannon (Kevin) Hejmanowski; Sara (Al) Barbin; Kayla (Jake) Johnson; and Jacob Woelfel; her great-grandchildren: Abigail Curtis; Veronica Hejmanowski; Rowan Johnson; and AJ and Claudia Barbin. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Lucille (Joe) Sommerhalder; great-grandson, Benjamin Curtis; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. A visitation for Bernice will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home and again on Sunday at Martin Luther Church, 436 S. Lake St., Neenah, from 1:00 P.M until 2:00 P.M. at which time a Funeral Service will be held with Pastors Tyler Shinnick and Jason Oakland officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Mom, Remember me from years gone by Remember me when you heard me cry Remember me when I said goodbye But Remember me most when I die Because I'll remember you forever. You're forever in our hearts, Mom. We love you. Walk slowly down that last long road, for soon I will follow you - I Love you My Forever Sweetheart, Pat The family would like to thank Heartland Home Hospice for their loving support and kindness during this difficult time. We would also like to thank Gardenview Assistant Living. Mom loved all of you for the care and comfort you gave to her.