Obituaries

Bernice C. Wadas

June 07, 1935 - October 14, 2022

Text:

Obituary For Bernice C. Wadas

Bernice C (Gentrup) Wadas, 87, of Verona passed away on October 14, 2022, at home.

Bernice was born to Anton and Susan (Aschoff) Gentrup on June 7, 1935, in Beemer, Nebraska. She was the 2nd of 10 children raised on the family farm in rural Nebraska. Bernice attended Guardian Angels HS in West Point and received her teaching certificate. She taught in a one room schoolhouse until she moved to Fremont and worked for the phone company. Bernice went to a CYO dance, where she met and later married Leonard Wadas at St Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point on September 1, 1956.

They started their family shortly, thereafter, moving to towns in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, wherever Len’s job placed them.

After retiring, the pair enjoyed worldwide travels before settling first in Lincoln, NE and then in Verona, WI. Bernice was strong in her faith, a tough woman, could surprise you with her wit, and a hard worker. She loved her family, gardening, college women’s volleyball, St. Louis Cardinals, and crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years; her children, Mike and Denise (Bloomberg) of Land O Lakes, FL, David and Kim (Hamilton) of Kalamazoo, MI, Carol Grob (Chad) of Cross Plains, WI, Doug and Louise (Hipskind) of Greenville, SC, Diane of Verona, WI, Brian and Courtney (Duke) of Houston, TX, and Kim Vercauteren (Nate) of Madison, WI; brothers, Tony, Ed, Dennis, Victor, and Kenny; and sister, Florence Ridder; grandchildren, Ryan, Jennifer, Jeff, Steven, Michelle, Brandon, Adam, Grace, Jake, Benjamin, and Katelyn; great grandchildren, Luke, Ellie, Eli, Caleb, and Theo; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother Irvin Gentrup; sisters Millie Huffman and Barbara Gentrup; infant son Charles; and grandchildren, Mark, Kevin, and Sarah.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 21, 2022, at ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 North Main Street, Verona, with Father Robert Butz presiding. A visitation and rosary will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona. Burial following Mass at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Services

20 Oct

Visitation

05:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes – Verona 220 S. Enterprise Drive Verona, WI 53593 Get Directions »
21 Oct

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Andrew Catholic Church 301 N. Main St. Verona, WI 53593 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • October 17, 2022

    To Kim and family. My condolences on your loss. Praying that your strong family, faith and memories ease the pain. Ellen Henningsen (former co-worker of Kim)

  • October 17, 2022

  • October 16, 2022

    Aunt Bernice was so much fun - whether it was playing cards or trying to wrangle us at the casino!! Her faith was a model for all of us. I remember the kindness and genuine love she and Len shared with myself and my children when my mother passed away. I learned alot from her (still store my strawberries in glass Mason jars) and know she will be missed. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Heaven just got another angel.

  • October 16, 2022

    The St. James Catholic School Community remembers Mrs. Wadas for her kindness and generosity. A strong, funny lady of great faith. May her soul rest in peace.

Tributes

  • Splendid Memories Bouquet

    Jayne and Cecil Cook sent Splendid Memories Bouquet for Bernice C. Wadas - October 20, 2022

    Papa Lenny, Kim and the Wadas family- As a 20 year old punk roller blading in her kitchen, she still fed and housed me. Now that's a SAINT! She will be missed dearly. Condolences, Jayne (Miller) Cook

  • Fall Fantasia

    Fall Fantasia was sent for Bernice C. Wadas - October 19, 2022

  • Large Basket Garden

    Large Basket Garden was sent for Bernice C. Wadas - October 19, 2022

  • Sweet Moments

    Sweet Moments was sent for Bernice C. Wadas - October 17, 2022

  • Serene Lily Basket

    Denise M Flores sent Serene Lily Basket for Bernice C. Wadas - October 17, 2022

    Dear Wadas Family - Know we are thinking of you at this time and our prayers are with all. With great amount of Love - Ray and June Wadas family and Patti Whetstone and family

  • 5 TREES

    5 Trees were planted in memory of Bernice C. Wadas - October 20, 2022

  • 6 TREES

    6 Trees were planted in memory of Bernice C. Wadas - October 19, 2022

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Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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