Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1927
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Bernadine Gonderzik Obituary
Bernadine Gonderzik
October 28, 1927 - August 11, 2025
Bernadine M. Gonderzik, age 97 of Eau Claire died August 11, 2025 at Grace River Pines Nursing Care Center, Altoona, under the care of St. Croix Hospice, surrounded by family.
Born October 28, 1927, to Susie (Bryan) and Bernard Ertz in Ipswich, South Dakota, she moved with her family to Wisconsin in 1935, farming in Dunn County. She often shared the challenges of agriculture, experiencing drought, sandstorms, barn fires, and the Depression. She graduated in 1945 from Elk Mound High School, and with her high school best friend, Borghild Peterson, lived, worked, and traveled together for many years, and remained lifelong friends.
She married Gordon Gonderzik on April 20, 1955, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eau Claire, and soon after began building a large family, which she had always wanted. She was a devoted Mother who enjoyed family dinners, holidays, and family gatherings. She instilled in her children responsibility, fairness, and humility. She was an excellent cook (her secret was Cream of Mushroom Soup), known for her large meals and room at the table, or 'making a plate'. She enjoyed summers at the family cottage that they built on the Flowage, in Minong. She and Gordy enjoyed evenings on the deck overlooking the lake, with a Martini (gin) in hand and enjoying the sunset. She was aware of the location of any casino within a 200-mile radius of Eau Claire, never passing up an opportunity to try her luck. She took several road trips, with the most memorable being a driving trip to Vegas and Canada. After Gordy's retirement, she began a daycare and developed a bond with the children and their families. She also read books to children at Roosevelt School, where she was affectionately known as Gramma Bernie, by staff and students. She worked well into her 80s and lived independently, with the assistance of her daughter Nancy, until recently.
She was infamous for her "make me proud" speeches and the look that could put you in your place from 100 yards away, that never faded with age.
Her three sons survive her: Terry (Laura Sullivan), Chippewa Falls, Scott, St. Paul, MN., Denis (Diane), Rochester, MN., and four daughters: Susan (Brian) Weber, Debra McFaul, of Eau Claire; Vicki (Kevin) Sterland, Greenwood, WI, and Nancy Gonderzik, Eau Claire. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Chris (Mary) Gonderzik, Daniel, Ashley, and Jeffrey (Rebecca), Weber, Derek, and Blake (Shyann) Sterland. Also, Kendra Hatlie, whom she considered one of her own. Seven great-grandchildren: Ellie (Timothy) Meyer and Clara Gonderzik, Clara and Hazel Weber, Knox Shaw, Brooks Weber, and Everly Mae Sterland. Great- Great grandchild Luke Meyer. Also surviving a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.
Besides her parents, she is preceded by her husband, Gordon, sister Eveyln Tollefson, brother Robert Ertz, and stepson Gary Gonderzik. Also, her in-laws, Marshall and Dolly Gunderzik, Audrey and Jim Persons, Robert and Jean Gunderzik, and Patricia Blake.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 416 N. Dewey Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703 with Father Michael Klos officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on that day from 10 am until the time of service. Inurnment will take place later that afternoon at 2 pm in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Eau Claire.
A special thank you to Dr. Joanna Setla, who traveled this journey with kindness, respect, and compassion, and Fr. Klos, with whom she always enjoyed their visits. The family also thanks the staff at Mayo Health-Eau Claire, and the direct care staff at Grace River Pines Care Center, Altoona, for their kindness and dedication. The support provided by the St. Croix Hospice staff, not only to our mother, but to our family is much appreciated, with gratitude.
Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.
Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.
October 28, 1927 - August 11, 2025
Bernadine M. Gonderzik, age 97 of Eau Claire died August 11, 2025 at Grace River Pines Nursing Care Center, Altoona, under the care of St. Croix Hospice, surrounded by family.
Born October 28, 1927, to Susie (Bryan) and Bernard Ertz in Ipswich, South Dakota, she moved with her family to Wisconsin in 1935, farming in Dunn County. She often shared the challenges of agriculture, experiencing drought, sandstorms, barn fires, and the Depression. She graduated in 1945 from Elk Mound High School, and with her high school best friend, Borghild Peterson, lived, worked, and traveled together for many years, and remained lifelong friends.
She married Gordon Gonderzik on April 20, 1955, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eau Claire, and soon after began building a large family, which she had always wanted. She was a devoted Mother who enjoyed family dinners, holidays, and family gatherings. She instilled in her children responsibility, fairness, and humility. She was an excellent cook (her secret was Cream of Mushroom Soup), known for her large meals and room at the table, or 'making a plate'. She enjoyed summers at the family cottage that they built on the Flowage, in Minong. She and Gordy enjoyed evenings on the deck overlooking the lake, with a Martini (gin) in hand and enjoying the sunset. She was aware of the location of any casino within a 200-mile radius of Eau Claire, never passing up an opportunity to try her luck. She took several road trips, with the most memorable being a driving trip to Vegas and Canada. After Gordy's retirement, she began a daycare and developed a bond with the children and their families. She also read books to children at Roosevelt School, where she was affectionately known as Gramma Bernie, by staff and students. She worked well into her 80s and lived independently, with the assistance of her daughter Nancy, until recently.
She was infamous for her "make me proud" speeches and the look that could put you in your place from 100 yards away, that never faded with age.
Her three sons survive her: Terry (Laura Sullivan), Chippewa Falls, Scott, St. Paul, MN., Denis (Diane), Rochester, MN., and four daughters: Susan (Brian) Weber, Debra McFaul, of Eau Claire; Vicki (Kevin) Sterland, Greenwood, WI, and Nancy Gonderzik, Eau Claire. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Chris (Mary) Gonderzik, Daniel, Ashley, and Jeffrey (Rebecca), Weber, Derek, and Blake (Shyann) Sterland. Also, Kendra Hatlie, whom she considered one of her own. Seven great-grandchildren: Ellie (Timothy) Meyer and Clara Gonderzik, Clara and Hazel Weber, Knox Shaw, Brooks Weber, and Everly Mae Sterland. Great- Great grandchild Luke Meyer. Also surviving a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.
Besides her parents, she is preceded by her husband, Gordon, sister Eveyln Tollefson, brother Robert Ertz, and stepson Gary Gonderzik. Also, her in-laws, Marshall and Dolly Gunderzik, Audrey and Jim Persons, Robert and Jean Gunderzik, and Patricia Blake.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 416 N. Dewey Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703 with Father Michael Klos officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on that day from 10 am until the time of service. Inurnment will take place later that afternoon at 2 pm in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Eau Claire.
A special thank you to Dr. Joanna Setla, who traveled this journey with kindness, respect, and compassion, and Fr. Klos, with whom she always enjoyed their visits. The family also thanks the staff at Mayo Health-Eau Claire, and the direct care staff at Grace River Pines Care Center, Altoona, for their kindness and dedication. The support provided by the St. Croix Hospice staff, not only to our mother, but to our family is much appreciated, with gratitude.
Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.
Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Leader Telegram from Aug. 14 to Aug. 15, 2025.
Memorial Events
for Bernadine Gonderzik
Funeral services provided by:
Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services3209 Rudolph Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Memories and Condolences
for Bernadine Gonderzik
Sponsored by Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Bernadine Gonderzik's name
How to support Bernadine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bernadine Gonderzik's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
