Bernice Marie Ziegler

Our wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law and friend, Bernice Marie Ziegler grew her wings and joined Jesus on Monday, March 20, 2023. Bernice was born May 11, 1932, daughter of the late Joseph and Clara (Heimann) Groeschl in Stockbridge, Wisconsin. She was united in marriage on April 29, 1961, to Leonard J. Ziegler at The Church of Presentation in NFDL, WI. They were blessed to celebrate 61 years of marriage. Bernice worked as a telephone operator for Wisconsin Bell.

Bernice was a beautifully, patient person. She took perfect grace maneuvering through chaos – almost like it was her specialty. Bernice and Leonard raised nine children together. She is survived by her husband Leonard, nine children, Mary, Randy, John (Irene), Barbara (Michael) Zimmer, Julie, Joe, Eugene/Shy (Jennifer), Cathy/Pixie (Fiancé Darrin Parsons), and Al. Twelve grandchildren, Shane Hernandez, Ben (Kassie) Hackbarth, Joe Hackbarth, Catherine (Stanten) Franta, Joey and Allison Ziegler, Sara (Tyler) Laufer, Calvin, Emily and Elizabeth Ziegler, Jamison Zook, and Darrin (Carrie) Oelke. Eight great-grandchildren, Eve and Claire Hackbarth, Laiken and Beau Franta, Lila Manbeck, Teddy Laufer, Zachary and Emma Oelke. Bernice’s twin sister Bernetta Wenig. In-laws Pat (Harold) Abitz, DeeDee Miller, Danny and Bob Ziegler, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Joseph and Clara, five siblings, Lillian (Walter) Leu, Joseph (Jean) Groeschl, George (Katie) Groeschl, Robert (Madge) Groeschl, Clarence (Marie) Groeschl, and four brothers-in-law, Gregor Wenig, Richard and Eugene Ziegler and Bill Miller.

Bernice was simplistic, yet she took pride in caring for her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Marigolds, Zinnias and red Geraniums were her favorite. Walking through her yard, you could clearly see the hard work behind the beauty. She had a great sense of artistic ability that showed throughout her drawings, paintings, seamstress work, homemade clothes and stuffed animals. Her kitchen smelled of fresh bread, fruit pies, homemade soups, or savory roasts. She truly believed nothing was better than a homecooked meal, and made sure there was enough for any family member who showed up. The house echoed with laughter, shared memories, and sports radio listening to Bob Uecker. She was an avid Packers and Brewers fan, keeping score during every game. She also never passed up an opportunity to play Monopoly with her grandchildren around her kitchen table.

Please join us in remembering our dearly loved Bernice. A visitation to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023, from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home in FDL, WI and again from 10:00am - 11:00am on March 28, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Holy Family Parish, 59 East Merrill Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI 54935. A mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at church at 11:00am with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Bernice, Mom, Grandma, we will love you forever, and miss you for always. Rest peacefully.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernice’s name to the Hospice Home of Hope.

The entire Ziegler family are grateful to the nurses and staff of Hospice Home of Hope for their devoted care of our “Bernie.” We cannot thank you enough for your support and guidance this past year.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com