Bernice Abel

Bernice Jane Abel, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Madison, WI. She was born on April 9, 1935 to Frank and Luella (Bowers) Heiking in Jefferson County, WI.

She attended Sun Prairie High School, where she met the love of her life, Leo Abel. The two were married on June 27, 1953, at Sun Prairie Methodist Church. She was a dedicated mother, raising her five boys: Eugene, Garry, Rodney, Douglas, and Jason.

Bernice was a people person and loved being around other people, especially when it meant playing cards with her Euchre clubs and attending neighborhood parties. She loved going fishing while on summer vacations but will be particularly remembered for her famous chocolate malts and her passion for African violets.

Bernice is survived by her sons, Garry (Tammy Henry) Abel, Rodney (Debra) Abel, and Jason (Rita) Abel; daughters-in-law, Marion Evenson and Sue Abel; 7 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Skogen; and many other family members and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leo; parents, Frank and Luella; sons, Eugene and Douglas Abel; 2 great-grandchildren; mother and father-in-law, Leo and Augusta (Schultz) Abel; and sisters-in-law, Florence Bilkey and Lois Abel.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Rd, DeForest, WI. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. A private family burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona, WI.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice in Bernice’s honor.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250