Bernice Busse

Bernice Berge Busse, age 100, passed away May 15, 2012 at Oakwood Village University Woods, Madison Wisconsin.

Bernice was born at home in Valders, Wisconsin on December 4, 1911, the oldest child of Andrew and Mabel Gilbertson Berge. She graduated from Valders High School and Manitowoc County Normal. For several years, she taught in Manitowoc County mixed grade classrooms, where she was younger than some of her pupils.

On September 23, 1936 she married Walter Busse. They moved to Sheboygan where they raised their three children.

For more than a decade, Bernice was employed by the Mead Public Library in Sheboygan. As the "Story Lady," she had the opportunity to open the world of books to young children; an ideal job for a lover of books and people. Bernice also was active in P.T.A. and in the First United Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the Women's Society. She served on the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army of Sheboygan and was a member of the P.E.O. Chapter C.J., where she developed life-long friendships.

Bernice was a daily walker, and enjoyed gardening and cooking. After moving to Madison in 2005, she continued her interests in playing bridge as well as reading and discussing books into her 101st year. Above all, she ranked her love of family and friends.

Bernice was known for her positive attitude, for her wise one-line sayings and her keen interest in the well-being of others. She is deeply loved and respected by her family and friends; she will be missed but remembered with joy.

She is survived by her three children: Dr. William (Judith) of Madison WI, Dr. Walter (Susan) of LaGrange IL and Jane (Philip) Ryan of Madison; six grandchildren: Dr. Paula (Robert Stillman) Busse, Phil Busse, Carl Busse, Sarah (Matt) Arvanites, John (Kelsey) Ryan and Rachel Ryan; and three great grandchildren: Alexandra and Brett Stillman, and Chase Arvanites; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Harold Berge; her husband Walter in 1981; her sister Alice Kosowski; and a sister-in-law Florence Berge.

A visitation at 10:30am followed by an 11:00am memorial service will be held Saturday, June 9, 2012 at the Resurrection Chapel at Oakwood University Woods, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison WI. In addition, a memorial service will held Sunday, June 10, 2012 at noon at the First United Lutheran Church, Sheboygan WI.

The family welcomes memorial donations to the First United Lutheran Church of Sheboygan WI, to the P.E.O. Chapter C.J. of Sheboygan WI or to the Mead Public Library of Sheboygan WI.