Bernadette V. Willkom

Bernadette Viola Willkom passed away after a brief illness on October 2, 2023 at the age of 96. She was born on September 7, 1927 at the family farm in Edson, Wisconsin to John and Anna Dzienkowski. At the age of 14, she met Nilus Willkom. They were married on October 27, 1949 after Nilus returned from serving in World War II in the U.S. Army. Bernadette and Nilus then moved to Missouri where Nilus worked for Wolverine Shoe Company, then to Menominee Falls, WI where Nilus worked for Johnston Cookie Company. In 1953, Bernadette and Nilus moved to Grafton, WI, where they built a home and started their family.

Bernadette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, canning and baking. She belonged to several bridge clubs, Avenue Homemakers Club and Christian Mothers Society. She enjoyed taking family vacations and traveling to Gulf Shores to escape winter during retirement.

Bernadette was preceded in death by her husband Nilus Willkom, parents John and Anna Dzienkowski and 8 siblings. She is survived by daughter Peggy (the late Fred) Bertling, daughter Patty (Jim) Loppnow and son James (Amy) Willkom; three grandchildren: Kathleen (Jason) Grube, Jonathon Loppnow and Thomas (Elizabeth) Bertling; and two great grandchildren: Madelyn and Russell.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Grafton, WI. Inurnment will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Grafton, WI

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1619 Washington St., Grafton, WI 53024. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.muellerfuneralhome.com

The family would like to thank Village Pointe Commons and Aurora Hospice Care for assisting in Bernadette’s care.