Obit: Meyer, Berneice R. (1923 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Meyer, Van Slett, Alaine, Markus, Payne, Cunningham, Beals, Sorenson

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 10/03/2012

Meyer, Berneice R. (24 FEB 1923 - 30 SEP 2012)

Berneice R. "Bunny" Meyer, 89, of Colby, passed away Sunday, September 30, 2012, with family at her side, after a brave fight with brain cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 11: 00 a.m. at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Colby with Father Daniel Hackel officiating. Burial will be in Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 4, 2012 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford with a rosary service at 5:00 p.m. In addition, visitation will be held Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of services.

Berneice Ruth Van Slett was born February 24, 1923 in Unity, Wisconsin to Frank and Marie (Alaine) Van Slett. She attended Unity schools and was a graduate of Unity High School. After graduating, she worked in Chicago during World War II. In August of 1945, Berneice married the love of her life, Russell H. Meyer at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Colby. The couple briefly lived in Chicago after their marriage but returned to the Colby area in 1946 to raise their four children. Bunny was a stay-at-home mom who devoted herself to her family. She was an excellent cook and always found time to bake. The cookie jar was never empty. She was also a talented seamstress, making many of her children's clothes as well as the occasional prom or wedding dress. In 1975, Russ and Bunny built Spare Time Lanes in Colby where she worked beside her husband as a small business owner.

She enjoyed bowling, reading, game-playing, and spending time with her card club. She loved visiting, traveling, and most of all laughing. Her quiet demeanor but keen sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew her. Her grace and courage were inspirational.

Bunny was a lifetime member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Colby and its PCCW and the Ladies Legion Auxiliary.

Berneice is survived by her children: John (Linda) Meyer of Hilton Head, SC; Ann (Duane) Markus of Wayzata, MN; Barbara (Gerald) Payne of LeRoy, MN and Bill (Carol) Meyer of Lake City, MN. She was the beloved grandmother of ten: Andy, Chad and Jeff Markus; Jake and Sam Payne, Kate Cunningham, Maggie Carman, Benjamin, Adam and Caleb Meyer. Eight great-grandchildren include: Teddy, Riddick, Breckyn, Kenny, Marisa, Makayla, Jeffrey and Jacob. Two new babies expected early this winter will know their great-grandma through lovingly-told stories.

Berneice is also survived by one brother; Russell Van Slett of Milwaukee and sister-in-laws; Ivy Sorenson of Marshfield and Pearl Beals of Crystal Lake, IL.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Frank and Marie Van Slett, her husband; Russell, her sisters; Aurelia Blanchard and Marie Allmann, and brothers; Elmo, Francis, Charles, Joseph, Arthur and Orville Van Slett.

The Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is assisting the family with arrangements.