Bernice K. Thomas-Witt-Rucinski

Bernice K. Thomas-Witt-Rucinski, 87, Wausau, died Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Mountain Terrace under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born in Iola November 20, 1930 to the late Alex and Katherine (Lorbiecki) Kostuch. Growing up on the family farm, she spoke only Polish until entering grade school and graduated from St. Joseph's Academy High School in Stevens Point in 1945. Bernice experienced the loss of two former husbands, Wilbur Thomas and Laverne Witt, later marrying Dan Rucinski in 1999. They later divorced. Throughout her life, Bernice had various office jobs with several insurance companies and was also a school bus driver. However, her most rewarding career was that of homemaker, mother and grandmother, finding great joy in n babysitting her grandchildren. Bernice gave her time generously volunteering at church, school, nursing homes and with the Salvation Army. She was a Boy Scout leader, brownie leader and served as a host family for guests from the Ukraine. Among her favorite pastimes, Bernice enjoyed square dancing, bowling, needlework, gardening and traveling. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed as a woman of great spirit who was always happy and a bit silly. Survivors include her children Kathy (Verlyn) Oelke, Wausau, Alan (Linda) Thomas, West Allis, Gail (Paul) Zarnke, Wausau, Laurie (Don) Hintze, Wausau, Paul (Mary Jo) Thomas, Wausau, 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous stepchildren and step great grandchildren. Besides her parents and two former husbands, Bernice was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2018 at The Church of Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Bernice's name. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the kind and courteous staff at Mountain Terrace for their wonderful care given to Bernice during her stay with them. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.