Bernice J. Hundt

Bernice J. Hundt, 91, of La Crosse, died at Hillview Health Care Center, Wednesday April 9, 2014. She was born on October 3, 1922 Bernice Josephine Meyers to William and Bertha Meyers.

Bernice was born on her father`s farm on Potato Ridge east of La Crosse. In 1944 Peter Hundt, the love of her life for 65 years, joined her on that farm. Together they made it their own. Bernice lived all of her 91 years enjoying the same beautiful view of the valley stretching east towards Barre Mills.

The defining moment of their life together occurred on September 29, 1949 when their three-year-old daughter Diane died in a tragic farm accident.  All events were measured as before or after that day.

Bernice was a gifted artist who was asked to join the staff at the Minneapolis Tribune art department in 1940.  She chose to stay on the farm to help her parents.  Mom was an amazing cook and baker, and we all celebrated “bar time” with her incredible creations.  All plants loved Bernice and would prosper in her care. Violets and cactus were her favorites.

In 2008 Bernice lost her loving, compassionate son Du Wayne.  Peter passed in 2010.  And her youngest baby, Suzanne, an inspiration to us all, died in 2011.  Bernice`s last mission was caring for Suzanne`s black lab, Amy.

She was preceded in death, as well, by her parents, Bill and Bertha, and her brother Arn, and a wealth of brothers and sisters- in-law.  She is survived by her son Fred and his wife Judy Bills, her daughter Paulette and her partner Eddie Viner, Andrew Brockel (Suzanne`s widowed husband,) and Diana Hundt (Du Wayne`s widowed wife.) She is also survived by her grandchildren: Melissa, Laura, Liz and Brian Hundt, and Rollin and Tad Leonard.

Bernice`s love and energy will not be replaced.  Her sassy attitude, quick wit and favorite expression, “Oh balls!” will be missed by all of us.

Special thanks to the staff at Hillview Nursing Home for their unfailing tender care for Mom in her last days.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday April 12, 2014, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 130 Losey Blvd South, La Crosse, WI. Family and friends may call from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at Church on Saturday. Rev. Peter Raj, and Msgr. Robert Hundt will celebrate, with burial to be held at Catholic Cemetery, 519 Losey Blvd, La Crosse, WI.