Bernetta Lorraine Freson

Bernetta (Bernie) Freson, 88, of Onalaska, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2016 at the Hillview Health Care Center. She was born August 8, 1927 near Marshall, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm during the depression. Thanks to excellent grades and the generosity of the Order of the sisters of St. Benedict she was able to attend the college of St. Benedict and graduated in 1949.

After graduation she taught school for 6 years and worked as a secretary at the Rocky Flats munitions factory in Boulder, Colorado. She married Robert Freson in 1956 and lived in Colorado for several years. Bernie and Bob moved several times due to Bob's job and she eventually lived in seven states. Sewing, reading, bridge, attending theater and travel were her pastimes. She was a member of St Patrick's parish.

Bernie is survived by her husband Robert, of Bluffview Memory Care Holmen, a daughter, Cecilia (Dan) Mullenbach, grandson, Jared Mullenbach, a brother James (Fanny) Stassen of New York. Sisters- in- law, Bernadette Stassen of Marshall Minnesota, Patricia Anderson of Loveland Colorado, Suzanne (John) Kochanowski of Rome, NY. Brother in laws Donald Freson of Las Vegas, NV and Paul (Alta) Freson of Melborne, FL. She also has many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are a brother Eloi, sisters Genevieve Lanoue and Margaret DeSutter and a granddaughter Sarah Mullenbach. Memorials will be given to the Order of the Sisters of St. Benedict. Bernie's' family would like to thank the staff of Springbrook Assisted living, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Mayo Clinic Hospice and Hillview Health Care for the care and comfort they gave Bernie. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Beahm and the staff of MCHS Onalaska clinic for the many years of care they gave to Bernie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Onalaska. Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate. Burial will be in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of Onalaska, 907 Sand Lake Road, on Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 PM, and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of services.