Bernice Knepprath

Bernice Ann Knepprath (née Schwabenlender), age 92, passed away on February 5, 2026 after a brief illness. She was born on March 5, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she grew up as the youngest child of Robert and Norma Schwabenlender.
A graduate of Rufus King High School, Bernice married her high school sweetheart, Richard Knepprath, in 1952. Together they shared 64 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Bernice made her home in Greendale, Wisconsin, for more than 50 years, where she was a devoted homemaker and mother and later served her community as a school secretary at Greendale elementary schools until her retirement.
Bernice and Richard spent a good portion of their retirement as snowbirds in Florida and shared a love of travel, especially road trips.
A true people person, Bernice was vibrant, warm, and easy to laugh with. She made new friends easily and cherished the lifelong friendships she maintained. She stayed active into her nineties. After stepping away from tennis and golf in her eighties, she took up senior fitness classes and continued to enjoy staying on the move. Bernice also enjoyed cooking and entertaining, reading, and relaxing with her favorite programs on the Hallmark Channel.
Her Catholic faith was an important and guiding part of her life. Bernice was a devoted member of St. Alphonsus Parish in Greendale for over 50 years.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, beloved spouse, and numerous dear friends and extended family members. She is survived by her loving children, Jean Majeski, Jo Ann Hansen (Michael) and John Knepprath (Paula), her grandchildren, Neil Majeski, Kate Franke (Austin), Claire Majeski, and Sam Knepprath; her great-grandchildren, Aria Majeski and Wallace Franke; and a multitude of friends who were blessed to know her.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Parish, Greendale, Wisconsin. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.
Bernice will be remembered for her warmth, joyful spirit, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

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