Bernice Carol Kozlowski

Bernice Carol Kozlowski

She was the heart of our family and our lives. It is with deep sadness that we announce that our beloved mother, Bernice Carol Kozlowski, passed away on Thursday, November 1st at the Hospice House.  She was born in Wausau on December 2, 1932 to the late Herbert and Margaret (Hauser) Kort. She married Raymond Kozlowski on September 28, 1953. He preceded her in death on November 7, 1986. 

Bernice graduated from Wausau Senior High School in 1950 and shortly thereafter was employed in the business office at the former American Can Company in Wausau for many years. After taking some time off to raise her children she then returned to full-time employment as parish secretary at the former St. Mary’s Church, now The Church of the Resurrection, a position she held for over 25 years. She retired in 2016 at the age of 83. Bernice lived a life of service for others and she embodied the true spirit of giving. 

Mom was an extraordinary mother who possessed a deep sense of the importance of family. She encouraged us to be "ever-present" for one another and stressed the importance to love and forgive despite differences of opinions. Mom was thoughtful, compassionate and kind to all who came into her life and she inspires us to follow her example.

Mom was tireless in her life and her work. She ran her household, raised 6 children, had a successful business career and was heavily invested in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was especially joyful when spending simple moments with all her grandchildren and great grandchildren and they are so grateful for her unconditional love. We are so thankful that they had this time with Gram!

Mom loved animals and especially enjoyed watching and whistling to the birds. She loved music and had a beautiful voice. Some of our most treasured memories center around mom singing to our children while rocking them to sleep. Mom also liked to play cards, bowl, and she loved to dance!

Four generations have been richly blessed by her generosity & enduring love, her dedication & support, her self-less acts of kindness & giving. She has watched over us, prayed for us and believed in us our whole lives. We have flourished beneath those constant and invisible wings of support, wisdom and unconditional love.

Survivors include her daughter Linda (Devery) Quandt, Wausau, and their children Ryan (Julia) Quandt and Travis Quandt, Michael (Bea) Kozlowski, Wausau, and their children Justin (Courtney) Kozlowski and Melissa (Ethan) Bremer, James (Sharon) Kozlowski, Wausau, and their children Matthew Kozlowski and Kelsey Kozlowski, Kristin (Jeff) Fox, Hampton, New Hampshire, and their children Nicole (Stephen) St. Cyr and Stephanie (Jameson) Copp, Jeff Kozlowski, Plymouth, Minnesota, Karen (Andy) Kozlowski, Wausau, and 6 great grand children, Gabriella, Harper, Delaney, Henry, Hamilton and Clayton.

Along with her parents and husband she was predeceased by her sister Mary Ann (Ewert) Luetzke.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at The Church of St. Anne. The Reverend James Schaefer will officiate. Visitation will be on Monday evening, November 5, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church and again Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Mountain Terrace Senior Living and the Hospice House for their tender and compassionate care. We are also grateful to all the friends who called, visited, sent cards and were there to support mom - she cherished each one of you. We especially thank Reverend James Schaefer for his friendship, care and support of our mom during the past 50 years.

Mom, your journey and work of love on Earth has been completed and your legacy of love will live on through us. Thank you for your love and dedication to us and our families. We will love you always!

The loss is immeasurable but so is the love left behind.