Bernice Dickman, 91, of Cashton, Wis., passed away Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at Rolling Hills Rehab Center in Sparta, Wis. Bernice was born in Yuba, Wis., on May 3, 1932, to William and Bessie (Wopat) Barbour. She was united in holy matrimony to Paul Dickman on Oct. 12, 1957.
She began her working career at the hospital in Hillsboro. Her marriage moved her to Cashton, where she continued to work and raise her family. Different restaurants were lucky to have her on staff for food preparation, including Parkview Lanes, Cowboy Village, Hansen’s IGA and several different owners of the Cashton Café, where at one point she worked side by side with her daughter Paula. Even with all the time spent outside of her home at work, she always took great pride making meals for her family and worked out on the early tobacco crews that shared the work between the neighbors’ farms during harvest.
Bernice liked listening to polka music; she and Paul loved going to hear the local bands in the area. Two of her favorite artists were Danny O’Donnell and The Statler Brothers. If at home, she tried not to miss an episode of her favorite shows, “The Wheel of Fortune” and “The Price is Right.” Bernice was a faithful and long-time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she volunteered with the PCCW. She adored her family and looked forward to spending time with her loved ones and friends.
Bernice is survived by sons, Dennis of Cashton and Bill (Kay Picha) Dickman of Camp Douglas; her daughter, Linda Dickman of Hardwick, Minn.; her grandchildren, Derek (Lizzie) Dickman, Sara Dickman, Jacky Dickman, Calli (Sam) Wilhelms and their daughter Jovie, and Bailey (Austin) Kirchner and their son Hayden; two sisters-in-law, Diane Schmitz and Mavis Dickman, both of Sparta; a good family friend, Shelly Vance; and many other relatives, neighbors and friends.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul, in 2022; and her daughter, Paula Dickman.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton. Father Matthew Bowe will officiate. Burial will take place at later date in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday, Feb. 16, from 4–7 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation also will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
