Bernice M. Scheel

Bernice M. Scheel, 73, Wausau died Sunday, June 12, 2016 at St. Clare's Hospital, Weston after a short but difficult battle with cancer. She was born August 4, 1942 in the town of Wausau, daughter of the late Raymond and Margaret (Delikowski) Senoracki and younger sister to Bernard Senoracki. On May 29, 1965 she married James J. Scheel at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. He survives. Bernice met Jim at Colonial Ballroom. They enjoyed polka dancing, and Bernice taught Jim the Polish hop after Jim's long glide steps split a couple of skirts! Bernice also played the trumpet in her brother's band, Bernie's Polka Dots for over 35 years. She instilled a love of music in her daughter, Tracy, and taught her the "proper" way to polka. Bernice worked at Employer's Insurance before her marriage. After Jim and Bernice moved to Milwaukee, she worked for Schwerman Trucking. Upon returning to Wausau, Bernice worked at Bob Johnson Chevrolet and GTE for several years. Her expertise in filing and organization kept her family's life running smoothly. Bernice quit her job at GTE and never looked back when Tracy was born. Raising Tracy became her full-time occupation from then on. Many Girl Scout outings involved ten girls in the 1972 Plymouth Grand Fury! Bernice never missed a concert or performance that Tracy was involved in. She took a part time job at the Wausau Buyer's Guide on the insertion crew when Tracy was in high school and met many wonderful friends. Bernice was a dedicated volunteer usher for the Grand Theater for 27 years. She took great pride in making sure that the patron was always the focus of the evening. She said often that she could be the only positive thing in someone's day, and she wanted to be sure that no one left the Grand with a less than enjoyable evening. To new ushers, she may have come across as strict, but her intention was always to provide the best experience possible for the patrons. Survivors include her husband, James J. Scheel, Wausau, her daughter, Tracy Scheel, Wausau, one brother, Bernie Senoracki, Birnamwood, two Godchildren, Jeff Schultz and Becky (Senoracki) Dierkes, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is further survived by her "Birthday Buddy", Parker Joseph Helke, Wausau and her god granddaughter, Savannah Elizabeth Guenther, Merrill. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Judy Senoracki and two brothers-in-law, William and Jerome Scheel. A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2016 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. The Rev. Matthew Marshall will preside. Inurnment will be in the Garden of Eternal Rest Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Bernice's name. Bernice's family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at St. Clare's Hospital, especially the third floor nurses and CNA's, the IPU staff, especially Bev and Matt, and the chaplains who made her last days more bearable. They would also like to thank the Ministry Cancer Care team and Dr. Islam for their caring and expertise. Over the last 6+ years, Dr. Michael Caldwell and nurse Lisa Peterson have been invaluable in the treatment of Bernice's ongoing leg wound issues. They have become more family than medical providers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Endless thanks go to Dr. Kevin Ritzenthaler and the staff at Draeger Chiropractic for their loving care. It is such a rare blessing for care providers to become family. We would also like to thank all of Bernice's fellow volunteers and the staff at the Performing Arts Foundation for their patience, care and concern over the years. Finally, unending thanks go out to Fr. Matt Marshall, Fr. Al Burkhardt, and Deacon Erv Burkhardt at St. Anne's. Their help and guidance has aided us so much through Bernice's cancer journey. We also thank Deacon Bob Anderson for his guidance and prayers. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com