Bernadette Marie Netzer's Obituary
Bernadette M. Netzer
nee Brazeau
Bernadette M. Netzer a long-time Oshkosh resident passed into glory on March 14, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Oconto, Wisconsin on August 3, 1920 daughter of the late Louis and Elizabeth (Ouellette) Brazeau and raised there. She received her college degree in 1942 from Saint Catherine’s University in St Paul, Minnesota. Upon graduating, she taught at various positions in Minnesota and Wisconsin. However, her greatest fulfillment was being a wife and mother.
In 1949 she and Donald L. Netzer from Lena, Wisconsin, married at St. Peter’s church in Oconto. Together they moved to Illinois, Puerto Rico, Georgia, Indiana and Minnesota, as Donald completed his PhD course work and teaching assignments. Eventually they settled at a small hobby farm in Oshkosh in 1963 where Donald was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
She and Donald had six children. She also was the proud grandmother to 17 grandchildren, and 27 great-grand children.
Her loving family includes: Don (Charlene) of Sidney, MT; Miles (fiancee Sarah); Kyla (Tyler),Tannen, Tacey, and Tawnie Traeger; James (Jessica) and Joey; and Victoria.
Henry (Jeanne) in Hayden, ID; Carolyn (Jhar), Will, Kellie, Bryce, and Leila Fuller; Andy (Ashley), Evangeline, Soleil, Brugh, and Isla; Michael (Veronica), Brooks, Elliott, and Shepard.
John (Pamela) in Oshkosh; Amanda (Josh), Parker, and Gabe Stearns; Laura (John), Lyla, and Jax Reichenberger; and Paul.
Mary (Gary) Schumann, Hastings, MN; Rachel (Christopher), Zoe, and Elias Brenna; John (Lindsey), Ellie, and Ryan; and Scott.
Philip (Stephanie), Greenville, WI; Adam (Taryn) Rory, and Reagan; Brandon (Ashley) Abigail, and Evelyn; and Danielle (Ryan) Beach.
Julie Stephenson, Oshkosh and Audrey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald, brother, Joseph, brother-in-law, Jack Bourassa, and son-in-law Brett Stephenson.
She is survived by sister, Frances (Bourassa) and sister-in-law, LaVonne Brazeau and many nieces and nephews who call her Aunt Bea.
Bernie loved life and always thought of others before herself. Family gatherings at the farm were filled with music, food, fun and laughter. Preparing meals in the farmhouse kitchen provided a lot of enjoyment especially when it included desserts. No one ever left hungry. Special hobbies included reading, sewing, completing crossword puzzles, playing cribbage, cutting out comic strips, collecting recipes and staying in contact with her many friends, neighbors and relatives.
The foundation of her life was her strong faith. Bernie was the matriarch of a beautiful family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.
She was an active member in the Winnebago County Conservation Club, 4H, Father Carr’s Place 2B, St. Vincent de Paul, the League of Women Voters, Stitch n’ Bitch, Homemakers Club, and especially the St. Peter’s (now The Most Blessed Sacrament) Catholic Church.
Bernie will forever live in our hearts and be cherished forever. She taught us how to love deeply and she placed her mark on the world for good. When saying goodbye, Bernie often said "God Bless and say your prayers" and "All for Thee, O Sacred Heart of Jesus."
Special thanks to her loving care providers and the compassionate Hospice care she received.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Most Blessed Sacrament Parish (the former St Peter’s Church) at 435 High Avenue in Oshkosh on Monday March 19th, 2018 at 11 am, Father Jerry Pastors will be the celebrant. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 18th, 2018 at Fiss and Bills Funeral Home, 865 S Westhaven Drive, Oshkosh, from 4-7 with a 7 pm prayer service. Visitation will also be held Monday from 10-11 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, or St Vincent de Paul Community Services in Bernadette’s name.
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