Bernice Kaatz

Bernice Mae Kaatz, 89, of Wausau, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2017, at Aspirus Hospice House. She was born in Edgar, Wisconsin on November 12, 1927, to Emil and Helen (Grosskreutz) Baesemann.

Bernice married Edward Kaatz on May 28, 1949. Edward preceded her in death on March 5, 1990. On February 5, 1999, she married Allen Hoyum; he preceded her in death on April 8, 2009.

Bernice took great joy in raising her children. She assisted her husband and family by working in the kitchen of Rib Mountain Elementary School. She then drove a van for the Wausau School District, transporting those with special needs. During her retirement, she was a volunteer at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends at their cottage on Two Sisters Lake in Northern Wisconsin. Above all else, Bernice valued her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and lived for spending eternity with her Heavenly Father.

Bernice is survived by her sons, Randy (Karen) Kaatz of The Dalles, Oregon, Eldon Kaatz of Wausau, daughter-in-law, Jean Kaatz of Merrill, step children, Barbara Brotzman of Prairie Du Sac, Raymond (Miriam) Hoyum of Lugoff, South Carolina, and Karen (Daniel) Ross of Racine. She is further survived by four grandchildren, four step grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one step great grandchild, and sister, Grace Braund, of Janesville. She was preceded in death by her husbands, son Dean, step son-in-law Eugene, five sisters and their husbands.

Funeral services for Bernice will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family guest book may be signed at www.helke.com