Bernadine E. Willner

Bernadine Ernestine Willner, age 97 of Milton, WI passed away on February 20, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Janesville. She was born on February 11, 1929, in Spencer, WI, the daughter of Darel and Frances (Neumann) Griepentrog. She grew up in Spencer, where she graduated from Spencer High School.

Bernadine married Reinhold F. Willner on August 30, 1947. The couple moved to Janesville, WI to raise their family. Together they owned and operated Fiberglass Products, where she served as the bookkeeper in addition to being a homemaker and mother to their nine children. Over the years she belonged to Peace Lutheran Church, St. Mark Lutheran Church both in Janesville and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hanover. She taught Sunday School and was a member of the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Elk’s Ladies and The Auxiliary of The Gideons International. All children were important to Bernadine, she was active in the Rock County Chapter of Wisconsin Right to Life and she was a volunteer at the Janesville Pregnancy Helpline. For many years, Bernadine and her dear friend Mary Christensen led a Bible study for children at the Rock County Juvenile Detention Center. It's hard to know how many children were affected by the two ladies that offered them a Bible and a listening ear at a hard time in their lives.

Bernadine will be remembered for her strong faith and her ability to make each one of her children feel seen and loved for exactly who they are.

The family would like to thank the staff at Milton Senior Living for the exceptional care Bernadine received while residing there. In addition, the family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the nursing staff at SSM Dean St Mary’s Hospital and SSM Health at Home Hospice for the compassion shown to Bernadine and for the comfort they provided to the family during her final days.

Bernadine Willner is survived by her sons; William (Terry) Willner, Charles (Rose) Willner, John Willner, Thomas (Darlene) Willner, Robert (Annette) Willner; her daughters, Carol (Dennis) Montgomery, Kristine (Rick) Knecht, Cindi Wheatley (Steve Doty); her daughter-in-law, Kathy Willner; her sisters-in-law, Janice Griepentrog and Patricia Griepentrog; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reinhold Willner on August 13, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her son David Willner, grandson, Ryan Willner, daughter-in-law, Katie Willner; her parents; her sister; and two brothers.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026 at IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, Hanover. Rev. Guy Vogel will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Fenwood, WI Cemetery. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com.