Bernice M. Riemer, age 96, of Iola, died Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Iola Living Assistance.
She was born on May 21, 1919, daughter of the late Phillip and Charlotte (Abraham) Kasper. Bernice married Kenneth C. Riemer on April 29, 1939 in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death on November 30, 1991. Bernice led a long full-filling life. Her early years and formal education were in Milwaukee. She followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming an accomplished seamstress. She designed and sewed a great deal of her family’s clothing. Bernice and her husband, Ken were fortunate to have traveled in the 1950s across northwest U.S. to California; enjoying many of our great National Parks. Bernice had fond memories of those trips with Ken, son Roy and daughter Patsy. Bernice was a characteristic saver as many were from the Great Depression era. She canned, pressure cooked, and masterfully cooked the wildlife Ken provided: venison, rabbits, duck, and fish. They gardened and had fruit trees. While Ken worked for Evinrude Motors in Milwaukee, they spent many of their weekends at their cottage in Fremont. Besides being a wonderful homemaker, Bernice was ahead of her time becoming a self-made business woman, running the business side of a summer resort in Minong WI. Many family and friends enjoyed spending summers on the lake at the cabins at the resort. When her husband’s health changed and WI winters were against Dr’s orders, they decided on wintering in Lakeland, FL. Before long they purchased land and created a mobile home park for seniors. Bernice ran the business while Ken did the manual work at the park. Bernice loved wintering in Florida, especially visiting Cypress Gardens. Times when family could travel to visit they all would be treated to trips to Disney World and to St. Petersburg beach. In 1991 Bernice was widowed and made big changes. She sold properties and moved to Iola, WI to be near her daughter and grandchildren. She braved WI winters once again. Bernice found fun going to area casinos with Patsy. Her nickname was GG (Gambling Granny), which she smiled at. Bernice enjoyed collecting song bird figurines which adorned her home. Bernice was a wonderful grandmother who never missed sending Birthday, Christmas, and Valentine cards. She also loved her pet doggies, some were Polly, Susie, Mickey, Toby, Peppy, and Lucky (who survives her). Bernice was an avid writer, reader, and note taker who loved to learn. She shared endless stories of her life. Unfortunately Bernice was struck with dementia the last several years of her life. She said she wanted to live to 100 years old. She certainly lived life full enough to fill 100 years. She left a legacy of love and family values.
Bernice is surved by: a daughter, Patsy Grossbier and a son, Roy (Denise) Riemer; eight grandchildren: Debra Reynolds, Cheryl Bishop, Randy Grossbier, Dan Grossbier, Jody Poltrock, Karen Behrens, Kathy Riemer, and Chris Riemer; 12 great-grandchildren: Blaise, Andrew, and Julianne Reynolds, Robert and Daniel Bishop, Lexi, Addie, and Colin Grossbier, Emma and Evan Poltrock, Richard III and Christian Behrens; two great-great-grandchildren, Addy and Maggie Reynolds.
Private Funeral Services were held at Voie Funeral Home, Iola, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 with Rev. Marcia Sabin officiating. Interment will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery Town of Scandinavia, Wisconsin. Register Book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com