Berdena Irene Wiganowsky, age 90 years and seven months, of Portage, Wis., passed away peacefully at her “home” at American Way on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011.
Berdena was born April 7, 1921, in Glendale, Wis. She was the daughter of Gust and Edith (Fauska) Sotona. She and her sister grew up on the farm near Kendall. She moved to Madison at age 18 and worked for Ray-o-Vac Corporation until she retired at age 65. She continued to work part time for Ramada Inn in Madison until she was 79 years old. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Madison. She moved to Portage in 2003 to be nearer family.
Our beloved Aunt Dena loved gardening, traveling, caring for animals, picking strawberries, keeping busy and good food. Her favorite place in Portage was Dino’s.
She is survived by her sister, Marie Von Haden of Norwalk; her beloved cat, Lyla; her nephews, Roger (Joan) Von Haden of Portage and and Jerome (Patricia) Von Haden of Tomah; her nieces and nephews, Brenda (Peter) Gauerke of Milwaukee, Kurt (Nichole) Von Haden of Madison, Erik (Josh Weber) Von Haden of Aurora, Ill., Lisa Richert of Osceola, Wis., and Jeff (Vicki) Von Haden of Tomah; and her grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Emma and Ellanore Gauerke, Amanda and Christina Richert, and Jeanette and Kyle Von Haden.
Berdena was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law, Ruben Von Haden; her beloved dog, Cricket; her cat, Dugan; and her ex-husband, Melven Wiganowsky.
The family wishes to especially thank American Way for the wonderful and loving care they have given Berdena in the last years of her life. We are also thankful for Home Health United Hospice Care.
There is no funeral. There will be a family graveside service later. The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is serving the family.
