Bernice Ellen Gnewikow, 87, of Tomah passed away Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in La Crosse.
The eldest child of Edward A. and Leona M. (Kortbein) Giraud, she was born Jan. 29, 1926, in the town of Ridgeville. Bernice was baptized into the Christian faith on March 14, 1926, and confirmed May 21, 1939, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church by Pastor C.E. Berg. On Sept. 29, 1943, Bernice was united in marriage to Odis Milbur Gnewikow at St. John Lutheran Church in Ridgeville by Pastor C.E. Berg. He preceded her in death in May 1988.
This union was blessed with three sons, Robert, Richard, and David, and two daughters, Joyce and Sara. Bernice worked as a bookkeeper for Thurow Motors and Wilton Building Supply. She also worked at the Tomah Care Center as a certified nursing assistant.
A faithful and devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church, Bernice was a Sunday school teacher for several years and served in the church ladies aid. She also was a member of the Utopian Homemakers, Wilton Homemakers and Wilton Legion Auxiliary. Bernice was an avid reader. She enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.
She is survived by her children, Robert C. (Patty) Gnewikow of Wilton, Joyce A. (Bob Hanson) Thurow of Tomah, Richard A. (Judy) Gnewikow of Kendall, Sara E. Gnewikow of Vancouver, Wash., and David D. (Deborah) Gnewikow of Citrus Heights, Calif.; many very special and dear grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Dean (Peg) Giraud of Norwalk; a brother-in-law, John Rischette; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Odis; a granddaughter, Jolee Ann Thurow; and a sister, Muriel Rischette.
A memorial service was at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in the town of Ridgeville. Pastor Matthew Minzlaff and Pastor Daniel Falck officiated. Burial will be in Pilgrims Home Cemetery in the town of Ridgeville at a later date.
The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., Tomah, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
