Bernice Elizabeth Roellich

Bernice Elizabeth Roellich, 95, of Onalaska, left this broken earth for the glory of heaven on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at the Onalaska Care Center.

She was born June 21, 1924, at home in Barre Mills, to Henry and Sophie (Horstman) Hemker.  Her spiritual life was centered at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Barre Mills where she was baptized on July 20, 1924, confirmed on May 29, 1938, and was united in marriage to George H. “Bud” Roellich on April 25, 1946 not long after his return from Okinawa.

Bernice was a 1942 graduate of West Salem High School and the La Crosse Normal School (now UW-L) in 1944.  She taught in rural elementary schools, including Smith Valley and Barre Mills, for 5 years until turning her focus to raising their family.

Bernice and Bud were active supporters in the formative years of Luther High School in Onalaska.  Bernice attended Luther High Auxiliary meetings for many years. Bernice was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Onalaska where she regularly attended worship, bible classes and taught Sunday school for many years.

Bernice enjoyed walking for fitness, gardening and fishing with Bud. Her true joy was her family. She would drop everything to spend precious time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Paula (Tom) Siegel of Hartland, Wis., Curt (Gloria) Roellich of Hokah, Minn., and John (Glenda) Roellich of Winona, Minn.; nine grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; four great, great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, and her seven siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 17 ^th , at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1201 Main St., Onalaska.  Pastor Shane Krause will officiate.  Burial will take place in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, La Crosse.  Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday from noon until the time of service.  Memorials may be directed to the Luther High School Student Tuition Endowment Fund (LHS STEF) or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.