Obit: Prutz, Bernice (1925 - 2008)

Surnames: Prutz, Wojciuk, Tyminski

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Wood Co., Wis.) Sunday, 19 Oct. 2008

Prutz, Bernice (31 Dec. 1925 - 12 Oct. 2008)

Bernice Prutz, 82, loving wife, mother of five boys, grandmother and great-grandmother, died at home, in Baton Rouge, La., on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008, following a courageous battle with diabetes for the past 42 years.

She was born Dec. 31, 1925, in Milwaukee, to the late Piortr Wojciuk and Natalie Tyminski. She was united in marriage to Edward Prutz, in Milwaukee, on Thanksgiving Day, 1949 (58 years ago).

Mrs. Prutz had five boys with Edward before leaving the farm in Moon for the modern life of the suburbs in 1971. Suburbia may not have been prepared for five boys off the farm at that time, but Bernice was. She adapted and so did society after some adjustments. But she never complained.

She longed for a daughter, but loved all her boys, and "oh boy" what work they were. But she never complained. Along life's path, she did receive a complement of daughter-in-laws and many nieces, and she did touch all their lives.

Every son and every man will likely complain about every sniffle and every cough and cold. But she never did. Bernice was diagnosed diabetic after the birth of her last son, William. That was 42 years ago, and by conservative estimates, that was 20 to 25 thousand insulin syringes consumed in her latter years of life. But she never complained.

Bernice worked at the former Sunny Vale Heath Care Center. She was a nurse's aide, taking care of the busy work, but she never complained. Often times, she would bring her youngest sons (their friends, too) to tour the halls and brighten those people's days.

She always was that kind person everyone felt comfortable around. She made many friends along the way, and it is with great hope that this notice reaches all of them.

She was a great fisherman, and that was in the day of the "man's world." They still respect her for her talents at catching that BIG Northern Pike. She also was a league bowler, smart card player and had an amazing talent at clever humor and wit that everyone will miss. Those that were privileged with knowing her always will remember that smile, that grin and those sparkling eyes. Sadly, she lost most all her sight and hearing in the last couple years, but not her spirit. She never complained. It is her great fortune to have been well-cared for at home in her final years.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Edward; sons, Stanley (Joellen) Prutz, Baton Rouge, La., Michael (Eva Seraphin) Prutz, California, Robert Prutz, Houston, Texas, and William (Lori) Prutz, Kronenwetter; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Tragically, she lost one son, Joseph, in 1990. Bernice had seven brothers and three sisters. She is preceded in death by all but three surviving brothers, William (Uncle Bill) Wojciuk, Florida, Walter Wojciuk, Milwaukee, and Vincent (Buddy) Wojciuk, Florida. The deceased are Helen Bernadette, Adam, Luke, Stanley, Joey and Mary.

Services for Bernice were held privately with immediate family. She is laid to rest in Port Hudson National Cemetery, 20978 Port Hickey Road, Zachary LA, 70791.

A memorial fund has been established, in her name, for Diabetes awareness. Contributions can be sent to the Schofield Lions Club, P.O. Box 15, Schofield WI, 54476. Attn: Treasurer. The author would like to draw attention to friends of the family. All too often, only the family is mentioned, and Bernice was more than a family member. She had friends, many friends. She was always a friend for those in need; in return, she had friends when in need. Special thanks go out to the neighbors and friends who were there with their unselfish compassion.