Bernice C. Passehl

Bernice C. Passehl, 99, of Athens, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Athenian Living in Athens, also under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

She was born on July 30, 1924 to the late Stanley and Eleanore (Myszka) Writz in Rietbrock.  Bernice married Jerome Passehl on October 2, 1948 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Poniatowski and he preceded her in death on March 4, 1998.

Bernice loved and cared for her family, raising three children.  She also worked at Marathon Cheese for 27 years, was a hostess and waitress at the Sky Lite Supper Club, and was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

In addition to her work, Bernice was an excellent cook and baker.  She baked delicious pies and desserts, and loved to share, baking many pies for Father Graham and Father Hiebel.  She also loved country music, especially George Jones, and dancing to polka music.  Bernice will be remembered for her strong faith, attending Mass daily, her generosity, being pleasant and easy-going, and for her smile.

Survivors include her children, Jerome Jr of Athens, Kathleen (Robert) Franz of Edgar, and Duane (Donna) Passehl of Fenwood; grandchildren, Steve Passehl, Chad (Rhonda) Passehl, Melissa (Jake) Lemke, Ann Marie (Alf-Harald) Dahl, Benjamin (Monika) Franz, Josh (Jennifer) Passehl, Amber (Kevin) Blumreich; grandson-in-law, Troy “TJ” Weiler; great- grandchildren, Seth Passehl, Tanya Passehl, Luke Passehl, Zack Passehl, Evin Passehl, Asher Lemke, Leo Franz, Thomas Dahl, Alexander  Dahl,  Lorraina Franz, Gabrielle Franz, Eloise Franz, Madison Passehl, Reid Passehl, Kinsley Blumreich; great-great grandson, Seth Passehl Jr; step-great-granddaughters, Jennifer Writz and Ashlee Goodrich; step-grandsons-in-law, Traner Weiler and Tukker Weiler; brother, Daniel (Mary) Writz; and sisters-in-law, Myra Makowski and Kathleen “Kitty” Writz.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome; parents, Stanley and Eleanore; infant daughter, Patricia; granddaughter, Jennifer (Franz) Weiler, brothers, Florian, Raymond, Benjamin “Jack,” Stanley, Jerome “Jeff,” and infant, Michael; and sisters, Leona Jurkowski, Regina Nizzi, and Margaret Stubler.

A funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens, celebrated by Rev. George Graham.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Burial will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Athens.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

A special thank you from the family to the staff and volunteers at Athenian Living of Athens and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care of Bernice!