1923
Bernice
2009
Bernice Ritchie
October 14, 1923 — September 6, 2009
Bernice Elsie Ritchie, 85, Wausau, died Sunday, September 6, 2009 at Mt. View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wausau.
Bernice Ventzke was born October 14, 1923 to the late Emil and Elsie (Haese) Ventzke in the Town of Weston. Bernice was united in marriage to August W. Ritchie on October 19, 1946 in Wausau. The happy couple welcomed two children, Dale and Sharon, into their family. Bernice and August celebrated 15 years together prior to his death May 21, 1961. Bernice worked very hard for the Hotel Wausau for many years as a cook, maid and in the laundry to support her family. She imparted a strong sense of family and faith to her children even when life was very hard for her. Throughout her life, Bernice deeply loved her children and enjoyed talking about them with friends and family.
Bernice was blessed with a gift of listening to others, and always having a kind word to pass on. In her later years at Mt. View, she liked nothing more than to sit and listen to others of all ages. As busy as Bernice was in life, she still found time to enjoy gardening and canning, bird watching and listening to concertina polka music.
Bernice is survived by her loving children, Dale (Judy) Ritchie of Rib Mountain and Sharon (Jorge) Ritchie of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Michelle (Keith) Rosentreter of Rib Mountain and Lana Malone of Rib Mountain; great-grandchildren, Mason and MacKenzie Malone; brother, David (Clara) Ventzke of Honolulu, HI; sister, Caroline Krueger of Mosinee; sister-in-law, Doris Ventzke of Wausau; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friend and companion, John “Johnnie” Falkowski. She is preceded in death by her brother, Norman Ventzke; sister, Verna Marie Ventzke; and brother-in-law, Alfred Krueger.
Funeral services will be 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Pastor Joe Shelton will be officiating. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Helke Funeral Home beginning at 4:00 PM and lasting until the time of services at 7:00 PM. A private burial in Pine Grove Cemetery will take place at a later time. You may visit our online guestbook at www.helke.com.
Bernice Ventzke was born October 14, 1923 to the late Emil and Elsie (Haese) Ventzke in the Town of Weston. Bernice was united in marriage to August W. Ritchie on October 19, 1946 in Wausau. The happy couple welcomed two children, Dale and Sharon, into their family. Bernice and August celebrated 15 years together prior to his death May 21, 1961. Bernice worked very hard for the Hotel Wausau for many years as a cook, maid and in the laundry to support her family. She imparted a strong sense of family and faith to her children even when life was very hard for her. Throughout her life, Bernice deeply loved her children and enjoyed talking about them with friends and family.
Bernice was blessed with a gift of listening to others, and always having a kind word to pass on. In her later years at Mt. View, she liked nothing more than to sit and listen to others of all ages. As busy as Bernice was in life, she still found time to enjoy gardening and canning, bird watching and listening to concertina polka music.
Bernice is survived by her loving children, Dale (Judy) Ritchie of Rib Mountain and Sharon (Jorge) Ritchie of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Michelle (Keith) Rosentreter of Rib Mountain and Lana Malone of Rib Mountain; great-grandchildren, Mason and MacKenzie Malone; brother, David (Clara) Ventzke of Honolulu, HI; sister, Caroline Krueger of Mosinee; sister-in-law, Doris Ventzke of Wausau; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friend and companion, John “Johnnie” Falkowski. She is preceded in death by her brother, Norman Ventzke; sister, Verna Marie Ventzke; and brother-in-law, Alfred Krueger.
Funeral services will be 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Pastor Joe Shelton will be officiating. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Helke Funeral Home beginning at 4:00 PM and lasting until the time of services at 7:00 PM. A private burial in Pine Grove Cemetery will take place at a later time. You may visit our online guestbook at www.helke.com.
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