Berniece Agnes Pagenkopf, 99, of Wausau passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at her home.
She was born July 28, 1917 in Port Townsend, WA to the late Michael and Anna (Britten) Albrecht. On September 22, 1934, she married Earl Pagenkopf, Sr. at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Wausau. She was a member of that church and was involved in their Literary Society and Altar Guild. Berniece and Earl Sr. celebrated 55 wonderful years together prior to his death on October 24, 1989.
Though a very private and independent person, Berniece cared deeply for her family and community. In her earlier years, Berniece held memberships with the Friends of North Central Health Care Auxiliary, Homme Home Auxiliary and volunteered at the Red Cross beginning in 1949. Later, she worked at Mount View in the Occupational Therapy department for many years. Her community service for volunteering resulted in being named the Wisconsin Senior Citizen of the Year in 1982 and in 1999 she received the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award. Berniece loved the home she and Earl had built and resided there from the time of her children's births until her last days; famously saying the door was always open and welcomed all who visited.
Survivors include her son, Donald (Donna) Pagenkopf; grandchildren, Mark Pagenkopf, Scott (Diana) Pagenkopf, Lisa (Shawn) Sippl, David (Vicki) Pagenkopf and Brian Pagenkopf; great-grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Helmer, Christopher Pagenkopf, Courtney Pagenkopf, Zach Sippl, Zoë Sippl, Kari Ann Pagenkopf and Erik Pagenkopf; sister-in-law, Charlotte Albrecht; and extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her sons, Earl Jr. (Marlon) and LeRoy; granddaughters, Joyce Ann Pagenkopf and Sandy Radant; siblings, Joseph and Henry Albrecht, Mary Ann Lawrence, Catherine Passow and Dorothy Albrecht.
Memorial services will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Helke Funeral Home. Pastor Philip Schneider will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.
You may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul's United Church of Christ (426 Washington Street, Wausau, WI 54403) in Berniece's memory.