Bernice Goetz

Bernice Goetz

Bernice Shallow-Goetz, 92, Oconto, passed to eternal grace on September 9, 2014. Bernice was born August 12, 1922 in Pound. She was the fifth of 18 children born to the late George and Mary (Paremski) Lesperance. In this large family she learned to be resourceful and caring of others and more importantly the value of family. After graduating from Coleman High School, she began work in Two Rivers at Schwartz. She moved back to her home area and there she enjoyed playing softball for Pecha's Angel's and many local dances. She continued working at local companies including Frigo Cheese, Bond Pickle and Milwaukee Shoe Factory. She married our father, Francis Shallow on June 17, 1944 at St. John the Baptist Church, Coleman. He preceded her in death on December 27, 1978. Family and farming were the focus of her life. She and Francis had six children together. As their family grew, she graciously accepted the role of Grandma and Great grandma that came throughout the years. Bernice supported all her grandchildren by attending everything she could, from sporting events to music festivals, dance recitals, plays and more. To those who knew her she was a strong woman. She endeared hard times, worked hard to make life good. She showed us how to continue when your heart is broke. When Francis passed in 1978 she continued farming until she was 83. Bernice had another chance at love and married John Goetz on July 27, 1991 at St Peter's Church, Oconto. They continued farming, but also spent many wonderful times traveling to the Holy Land with their church groups. Alaska and Hawaii were also fun destination spots. Bernice was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, St. Anne's Society and sang in the church choir.

Bernice is survived by husband of 23 years, John Goetz, Oconto; she also leaves behind five children, John (Sue) Shallow, Mary (Steve) Gonwa, Marcia (Robert) Wittrock, Julie (Scott) Bychinski, and Joan (Ned) Nordin. Grandchildren: Jacquelyn (Bob) VonHaden, James M.(Michelle) Shallow, Mark Shallow, Katie (Jeff) Olszewski, Rachel Wittrock, Zachary Wittrock, JohnPaul Urbanek, Laura Urbanek friend Richard Lucas, Leslie Bychinski, Eric Bychinski, Andrew Nordin, Stephen Nordin, Emily Nordin, Sara Nordin, Jenna Nordin; great grandchildren: Alex VonHaden, Lucas Shallow, Faith Shallow, Lauren Olszewski, Alex Olszewski and Keison Lucas; step children: Carol (Adrian) Arcilla, Glenn Goetz, Paul (Sue) Goetz; step grandchildren: Kimberly Bychinski, Laura (Eric) Vehlow, Dylan Goetz, Nicole (Eric) Olson; step great grandchildren: Chase Bennett, Bentley Vehlow, Marcus Vehlow, Emry Vehlow, Leah and Sophia Olson; brothers and sisters: Dorothy Stodola, Lorraine Hetue, Joyce (Ralph)Seewald, Betty Jane Lesperance, Bernard (Pat) Lesperance, Violet Kowalczyk, Marie Boulanger , Carol (Lyle) Ausloos, Marlene Kortbein and Janice(Gale) Wogsland. Also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Father Gerald Goetz, S.J., Kathy Goetz, Pat Goetz. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by son Gerald (Mona) Shallow, brothers, Lester, Clement, Francis, Donald and Leonard, sisters, Shirley and Joan.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, from 4 to 8 PM Friday, September 12, 2014 with prayer services by Deacon Walter Kaszynski at 7 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday, September 13, from 10 to 11 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Oconto. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Saturday at the church with the Rev. Bob Karuhn officiating. Burial will be at the Oconto Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences many be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net.

Bernice's family will be forever grateful to the staff at Rennes Health Center East, Peshtigo, Joanne McConnell and Betty Lesperance for the care and understanding Bernice received in her final days.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to a charity of your choice. St. Judes or Paralyzed Veterans were Bernice's favorite.