Bernice Wadas

Bernice Wadas

June 07, 1935 - October 14, 2022

Obituary

Bernice C (Gentrup) Wadas, 87, of Verona passed away on October 14, 2022, at home.

Bernice was born to Anton and Susan (Aschoff) Gentrup on June 7, 1935, in Beemer, Nebraska. She was the 2nd of 10 children raised on the family farm in rural Nebraska. Bernice attended Guardian Angels HS in West Point and received her teaching certificate. She taught in a one room schoolhouse until she moved to Fremont and worked for the phone company. Bernice went to a CYO dance, where she met and later married Leonard Wadas at St Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point on September 1, 1956.

They started their family shortly, thereafter, moving to towns in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, wherever Len’s job placed them.

After retiring, the pair enjoyed worldwide travels before settling first in Lincoln, NE and then in Verona, WI. Bernice was strong in her faith, a tough woman, could surprise you with her wit, and a hard worker. She loved her family, gardening, college women’s volleyball, St. Louis Cardinals, and crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years; her children, Mike and Denise (Bloomberg) of Land O Lakes, FL, David and Kim (Hamilton) of Kalamazoo, MI, Carol Grob (Chad) of Cross Plains, WI, Doug and Louise (Hipskind) of Greenville, SC, Diane of Verona, WI, Brian and Courtney (Duke) of Houston, TX, and Kim Vercauteren (Nate) of Madison, WI; brothers, Tony, Ed, Dennis, Victor, and Kenny; and sister, Florence Ridder; grandchildren, Ryan, Jennifer, Jeff, Steven, Michelle, Brandon, Adam, Grace, Jake, Benjamin, and Katelyn; great grandchildren, Luke, Ellie, Eli, Caleb, and Theo; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother Irvin Gentrup; sisters Millie Huffman and Barbara Gentrup; infant son Charles; and grandchildren, Mark, Kevin, and Sarah.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 21, 2022, at ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 North Main Street, Verona, with Father Robert Butz presiding. A visitation and rosary will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona. Burial following Mass at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Events

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Denise M Flores
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Denise M Flores sent Serene Lily Basket for Bernice C. Wadas - October 17, 2022 Dear Wadas Family - Know we are thinking of you at this time and our prayers are with all. With great amount of Love - Ray and June Wadas family and Patti Whetstone and family
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Sweet Moments was sent
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Sweet Moments was sent for Bernice C. Wadas - October 17, 2022
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Large Basket Garden was sent
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Large Basket Garden was sent for Bernice C. Wadas - October 19, 2022
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Fall Fantasia was sent
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Fall Fantasia was sent for Bernice C. Wadas - October 19, 2022
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Jayne and Cecil Cook
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Jayne and Cecil Cook sent Splendid Memories Bouquet for Bernice C. Wadas - October 20, 2022 Papa Lenny, Kim and the Wadas family- As a 20 year old punk roller blading in her kitchen, she still fed and housed me. Now that's a SAINT! She will be missed dearly. Condolences, Jayne (Miller) Cook
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Barbara Sella
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The St. James Catholic School Community remembers Mrs. Wadas for her kindness and generosity. A strong, funny lady of great faith. May her soul rest in peace.

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