Ardyce Ann "Dude" Bernier

1935 - 2026

Ardyce Ann "Dude" Bernier

April 22, 1935 - February 20, 2026

Ardyce Ann "Dude" Bernier, 90, of Eagleton, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026, at Our House Senior Living in Chippewa Falls, surrounded by family and love. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose life was defined by quiet strength, deep faith, and a profound love for her family and the farm.

Dude was born on April 22, 1935, to Frank and Valeria "Toots" (Vinette) Doncevic in the Town of Eagle Point. She attended Bartlett Grade School and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1953.

On February 10, 1955, she married Lee Bernier at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls, where they remained lifelong members.

After Lee was discharged from the U.S. Army in 1956, they moved to their farm in Eagleton, where they farmed all their lives. Dude loved life on the farm, especially working in the fields on the tractors and caring for the animals, most of whom she considered pets. She enjoyed get-togethers in the backyard after chores with hired help and friends, sharing food, laughter, and a beer or two. At home, she was rarely without the companionship of her beloved cats, who brought her constant comfort and joy.

Affectionately known as Grandma Dude by so many, she will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, humor, and spunk, as well as the unconditional love she gave. During life's harder moments, she had a simple but steady way of reassuring those around her, often saying, "This too shall pass." Her legacy lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched simply by being herself. She was the best and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her three children: Chuck (Debi Krigsvold) Bernier of Eagleton, Cindy "Cheech" (Todd) Nevin of Jim Falls, and Jim (Jaime Roman) Bernier of Minneapolis, MN; two grand"babies", Garret (Hannah) Nevin of Hudson and Taylor (Ted) Longbella of River Falls; three great-grandsons, Frankie, Levon, and Harrison; two sisters-in-law, Donna (Leonard) Seibel of Bloomer and her BFF LaVonne "Tip" Dejno of Eagleton; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Lee; three children in infancy, Thomas Lee, Laurie Ann and LeAnne Mary, whose spirits she celebrated and cherished throughout her life; her parents; her in-laws, Joe and Irene Bernier; and her sister, Marla Ermatinger.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls, with Rev. David Nowicki as celebrant of the funeral Mass. Interment will follow at Eagleton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 25 at the church.

Dude's family extends heartfelt thanks to her incredible caretakers at Our House Senior Living and to the St. Croix Hospice care team.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor her memory in a way she would have loved by making donations to the Chippewa Humane Association or by simply caring for animals and spending time with friends and family.

"Lord, thanks for our wonderful life on our beautiful farm."

Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls is in charge of arrangements.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.horanfuneralhome.com