Bernadette Viola Willkom

Bernadette Viola Willkom passed away after a brief illness on Oct. 2, 2023, at the age of 96.

She was born on Sept. 7, 1927, at the family farm in Edson, Wis., to John and Anna Dzienkowski.

At the age of 14, she met Nilus Willkom. They were married on Oct. 27, 1949, after Nilus returned from serving in World War II in the U.S. Army.  

Bernadette and Nilus then moved to Missouri, where Nilus worked for Wolverine Shoe Co., then to Menominee Falls, Wis., where Nilus worked for Johnston Cookie Co. In 1953, Bernadette and Nilus moved to Grafton, Wis., where they built a home and started their family.

Bernadette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, canning and baking. She belonged to several bridge clubs, the Avenue Homemakers Club and Christian Mothers Society. She enjoyed taking family vacations and traveling to Gulf Shores to escape winter during retirement.

Bernadette was preceded in death by her parents John and Anna Dzienkowski and eight siblings.

She is survived by daughter Peggy (the late Fred) Bertling, daughter Patty (Jim) Loppnow, son James (Amy) Willkom, three grandchildren, Kathleen (Jason) Grube, Jonathon Loppnow and Thomas (Elizabeth) Bertling, and two great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Russell.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Grafton, Wis.

Inurnment will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Grafton, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1619 Washington St., Grafton, WI 53024.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.muellerfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank Village Pointe Commons and Aurora Hospice Care for assisting in Bernadette’s care.