Bernice M. French

Bernice M. French, 97 of Crystal Falls passed away peacefully on February 9, 2020 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility while in the loving embrace of her two daughters. At last she is free from the ravages and devastation of Alzheimer’s Disease. Bernice was born on Jan. 23, 1923 in Milwaukee, WI, daughter of the late Norman and Hattie (Poetzel) Wegner. She spent most of her life in Milwaukee and worked for over thirty years for the Master Lock Corporation until she moved to Iron River in 2013 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. While working for the Master Lock Corporation in Milwaukee, she served as proud member of the UAW and as a union steward for many years. After her retirement, she volunteered at the Mount Olive Lutheran School and the Penfield School for disabled children in Milwaukee. Bernice dearly loved children and was a deeply caring, compassionate and loving person, always eager to lend a helping-hand to anyone in need. She also enjoyed being “Up North”. She loved nature, wildlife, birdwatching and everything about the outdoors, including hunting, fishing and gardening. Bernice also was an avid reader, she loved to dance and was a wonderful cook and baker. She was a very devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-great children meant the world to her. She enjoyed music, laughter and was a loyal Denver Broncos football fan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Norman (Joyce), Wegner, James (Marie) Wegner and a sister Lucille (George) Raths; her dear friend and companion of many years, Rudy; and her best furry-friend and protector, Bacchus, the loyal Golden Retriever. Bernice is survived by her daughters, Susan Hughes of Milwaukee, WI and Joy (Paul) DeNicola of Iron River; her sister, Mary Ann Wegner of Milwaukee; beloved grandchildren, Elliot (Sandra) Hughes of Milwaukee and Jason Hughes of Racine; great-grandchildren, Miguel (Christina) Hughes and Aliyah Hughes. She is also survived by a niece, nephew and friends. She will be profoundly missed. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Iron County Medical Care Facility and especially to all of the staff on the Iris wing for the outstanding care provided to their mother and to the family during her stay. Special accolades go out to the Diversional Therapy Department, especially Stacy Donati, Jennifer Cole, Mary Takala, and Jessica Schultz, to dietary staff Mitzi Dube, and Tracey West. A very special thank you to a most extraordinary nurse, Georgette Cunningham and her nursing assistant, Sheri Kernats for their kind and steady support, and for their exemplary devotion and loving care. Their remarkable commitment to the care and comfort of Bernice, during a tremendously difficult time lightened the family burden immensely. A private family memorial service will be held in the spring. Condolences to the family of Bernice French may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Service with the arrangements.

Bernice M. French

January 23, 1923 - February 9, 2020