Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
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Bernadine “Bernie” Ann (Schlaack) Loker, age 78, of Winneconne, died peacefully Monday, August 30, 2021, at Aurora Medical Center of Oshkosh.
She was born February 23, 1943, in Ripon to Wilbert and Ann (Michalowski) Schlaack. On December 11, 1960, she married the love of her life, Frederick “Fritz” Loker; she loved him so much she married him again on August 1, 1969.
Bernie cherished her 31 years working with children as a school cook in the Winneconne Community School District, the bonds, and friendships she formed there lasted a lifetime. She loved to cook so much that she and her dear friend Doris Esch had a small catering business. She was a faithful and active member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church of Winneconne.
Upon her retirement, Bernie enjoyed going to various rummage sales throughout the area with her trusty chauffeur Fritz, playing cards with Jerry and Carol, yearly trips to Florida, volunteering at the Winneconne Thrift & Gift, taking numerous “long cuts” to get somewhere and spending time with her two beloved grandsons, Will and Matthew.
She was known for her crocheting skills and kind heart, that it is rumored that any child over the age of 12 in the Village of Winneconne has a blanket that was crocheted by Bernie.
Bernie is survived by two sons, Jeffrey (Susie Martini) of Oshkosh; and Gregory of Winneconne; grandsons, William, and Matthew, who will always cherish their memories of their “Granny”; sister, Sharon Rosenau of Oshkosh; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Fritz; her parents, Wilbert and Ann; brother, Jerry; and brother-in-law, Rick Rosenau.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, September 4, 2021, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main Street Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Pastor Mark Albrecht officiating. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, monetary contributions can be made to the Winneconne Area Community Foundation in memory of Bernie Loker.
Bernie’s family would like to thank the nursing staff at Evergreen ShareHaven, and the emergency room staff at Aurora Medical Center of Oshkosh.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Greg Petrack wrote on September 10, 2021
So many great memories of times spent with Bernie (& Fritz, too!). Love and light to Jeff & Greg. May her memory be a blessing!
Becky Dishmon wrote on September 5, 2021
Birdie (as us wee ones in 1980’s elementary school called her) was a lunchtime favorite! Nice and funny lady. I’ll never forget the cruel “strawberry milk” trick she played on us! Ha! The 2% came in white carton with blue print and one time the print showed up pink so to stray us from chocolate and over to 2%, she told us it was strawberry, well before strawberry milk was invented! We were not very happy, but had to laugh! And my mom was a pretty good friend with her because my mom became a lunch lady when I was in middle school, so I likely heard about her more often. Memories fade with age, but a couple stick. One time she took me to Manitowoc to see an old student teacher I had a few grades earlier in first grade. I don’t even remember how she knew her but the lady was nice and young and I was excited to venture with Bernie because my mom didn’t drive so I didn’t get out too much. It was exciting and nice to see that lady, who I can remember a little in the face but not by name. And Bernie lives near us, because, you know, Winneconne! It’s not big! Ha! Plus as a wiley teenager I was only a few blocks away then and my friend was kiddie corner, so I still saw her and Fritz. It’s not like I knew them well or have many memories, but my heart reminds me of the lighthearted, kind and fun-loving people they both were. I’m grateful to have grown up knowing people like that. And I trust that Bernie is now back with her beloved. I know she is reading over my shoulder right now! She approves! My hope is that those who lived her most feel her with them when they need her most. We all know no one is gone. They’re just different once they leave a body. And it is up to us to learn the language they now are forced to communicate without a physical aspect to them. Don’t ever doubt those messages. They’re as real as a hand in yours. Blessings to Birdie’s fam!
Suzanne Schmoker Sutherland wrote on September 5, 2021
I haven't seen Bernie since we graduated from high school in 1961 but remember her as being such a sweet and kind classmate. I extend my sincere sympathy to her family.
Carmen Fuhs wrote on September 4, 2021
Jeff and Greg, my sympathy for you and your family for your loss of your Mother. I will always remember growing up with all of you. With heartfelt sympathy. Carmen
Jerry. Kathy Loker wrote on September 1, 2021
Bernie was a very loving and caring wife and mother. Will miss her smile. Jeff and craig you had a special mother and father, remember them kindly forever
Wishing you and your family strength and peace