Bernice M. Schabo

Bernice Schabo, age 97, was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at Good Shepherd Home in Seymour. Bernice was born in Wausau on April 7, 1919, daughter of the late Ernest and Augusta (Mallessa) Kolberg. She was the eldest of eleven children, and at a very young age helped to raise her brothers and sisters, help with the housework, and even bake bread. She was both baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. On August 16, 1939, she married Harry Schabo at Zion Lutheran. He preceded her in death in 1984.

A short time after their marriage, they moved to a home near to St. John Lutheran Church on Highway 47, where they joined and became longtime members. They had their first child, Judith, while living there. Three years later, twin boys Mark and Clark joined the family. A short time later the family moved to a home in Center Valley where they remained for the balance of their lives. Bernice loved to garden, sew, can, bake, and do crafts. She was active in the Center Valley Homemakers, St. John Ladies Aid, and 4-H. Over the years, Bernice was employed by K-Mart, Appleton Woolen Mills, Prange's, and also worked part-time at the Black Creek Canning Factory. She loved to care for her flowers, especially her African Violets.

Bernice is survived by her three loving children: Judith (Leo) Riehl of Little Chute, Mark (Beverly) Schabo of Center Valley, and Clark (Carol) Schabo of Center Valley. Her grandchildren are Brenda Wolf of Appleton, Tina Kahler of Kimberly, Lisa (Brian) Miller of Winneconne, Dale Riehl of Little Chute, Lorie (Tom) Grabowski of Minnesota, Kevin (Angie) Schabo of Neenah, Ben (Tab) Schabo of Center Valley, and Jason (Amy) Schabo of Seymour. There are also 18 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Bernice is also survived by two sisters: Arbutus Cegla and Jean (Chester) Kocheer; four brothers: Leland (Beatrice) Kolberg, Orville Kolberg, Ted (Debbie) Kolberg, and Tom (Pat) Kolberg; and two sisters-in-law: Arlene Kolberg and Elsie Kolberg. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harry in 1984, brothers Merlin Kolberg and Vilas Kolberg, a sister Arlene (Jerome) Ciske; brothers-in-law: Ted Cegla, Robert (Gladys) Schabo, Howard (Millie) Schabo and Lester (Ethel) Schabo; and sisters-in-law Mary Kolberg and Helen (Lloyd) Witt.

The Christian Funeral Service for Bernice will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 20, 2017 at ST. JOHN. EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, N3505 Highway 47, Appleton, with Rev. Jeffrey Suhr officiating. Entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to gather AT THE CHURCH on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, and again on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bernice's memory.

The family would like to thank the compassionate and caring staff at Good Shepherd Home in Seymour, as well as Pastor Jeffrey Suhr and Pastor Micah Martin for their visits, prayers, and support. Your kindness will never be forgotten.