Phyllis P. Bernicke

PORTAGE -- Phyllis P. Bernicke, age 104, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2023, at Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena.

Phyllis was born on September 7, 1919, in Cumberland, the daughter of Henry and Della (Adams) Peterson.  Phyllis lived a full life, over 104 years, as a wonderful mother, homemaker and member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.  Phyllis loved flower gardening and was a member of the Portage Gardening Club.  She was a wonderful baker and always had plenty of pie and cookies to share.  And we all have fond memories of Bernicke casserole (her version of spaghetti) and of course her tasty pot roasts.  She was also a sports fan and enjoyed watching football and baseball in her later years.

She is survived by her daughters, Jeanene Davidson, of Oklahoma, Janice Bernicke, of Oklahoma, Paula (Ralph) Bauch, of Portage and Nancy (Jeff) Grussing, of Trevor; her grandchildren, Paul Davidson, Alicia Littlefield, Gretta Haun, and Vaughn Bauch; her great-grandchildren, Kale, Kenna, Kaitlyn, Heather, Wyatt and Nash; and her brother, Charles Peterson, other relatives and friends.  Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Paul on September 22, 2004, her sister, Gwen Porter, her brothers, Gene and Verlyn; son-in-law, Bill Davidson, and grandson, Royce Davidson. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with the Rev. Jaime Benson officiating.  Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage. 

Our family would like to thank the wonderful, caring and dedicated staff at Columbia Healthcare for the last 6+ years. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, to be contributed to Phyllis’ favorite causes.