Janice Louise Bernarde

Janice Louise Bernarde

Born into this world on July 18, 1938, to Norbert & Edna (nee Bublitz) Gierach, and entered into Eternal Life on November 23, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Janice was baptized, confirmed and united in marriage to Edward Jacob Bernarde on 12-01-1956 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church - Freistadt. They lived together in Germantown until Ed preceded Jan in death on 03-22-2016. Janice worked as a switch-board operator for Wisconsin Bell; for F.W. Woolworth, for the family business at Gierach’s Garage in Germantown, and for the Appliances Department at Sears in Milwaukee. She truly enjoyed her retirement jobs as Salesperson for Barthel Fruit Farm in Mequon and for Groth’s Country Gardens in Cedarburg. She held musical talent with playing the accordion and singing in the Senior Church Choir. She took pride in keeping an immaculate house, baking German Schaum Torte for Easter, cooking up the best German potato salad for family functions, and maintaining several container gardens within her yard. She cherished the memories Pa & her made during several trips they did with Aaron & Zachary while they were growing up.

Loving mother of Bruce (Tracy) Bernarde and Rhonda (Gary) Hilgendorf. Proud grandma of Aaron (Emily) Hilgendorf and Zachary Bernarde. And, she adored her great-grandchildren Lillian and Jameson Hilgendorf. She is further survived by siblings Bill (Sandra) Gierach, Fritz (Eileen) Gierach, Mary (Jim) Starzman and Dave (Chris) Gierach; sisters-in-law Carol Ekhoff, Jannette (Doyle) Spahr, and Hazel Bernarde; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jan was preceded in death by her brother, Bob; her parents, Norbert & Edna Gierach; husband, Ed; several relatives and too many friends.

A Celebration of Jan’s Life will be held at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church (10729 W. Freistadt Rd.), in Mequon, on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Visitation with family will take place before the Funeral Service from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. The Rev. Philip Hillenbrand will be officiating with Rev. Carl Lehenbauer preaching the sermon. Interment will follow immediately after the service at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials of your choice are appreciated.