Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Bernice M. Nussbaumer, age 95, passed away on January 4, 2015, at Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home in Oshkosh. Bernice was born on July 20, 1919, in Eureka, WI, daughter of Richard and Anna (Nordhaus) Volp. Her mother died in childbirth, along with her twin sister, Neta Jean. She was raised by her paternal grandparents, Ferdinand and Ida Volp, who immigrated to America in 1890, on the Skeleton Bridge Volp farm, which remained in the Volp family from 1908 until 2000. Bernice attended the Skeleton Bridge School and played accordion in local dance bands beginning in the late 1930s. On June 17, 1947, she married Marvin Nussbaumer at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Winneconne. They moved to Omro in 1954, and became active members of Omro's Grace Lutheran Church. Bernice operated a thriving music business from the 1955 until 2010, teaching hundreds of students ages 7 to 61 on numerous instruments, including the accordion, at the height of its popularity. Marvin regularly joined her playing drums at wedding dances and family reunions. Bernice was an active gardener, taught rug braiding classes, sang in the "Sun Shine Singers," and was a member of the Winnebago County Home Makers and Winchester Historical Society. She and Marvin travelled to numerous states, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia. The couple moved to Gabriel's Villa in 2010 and to Bethel Home in 2012.
Bernice is survived by her husband Marvin; sons Roy Nussbaumer of Appleton, and Ralph Nussbaumer of Brookfield; daughter-in-law Maribeth Nussbaumer; grandchildren Blake and Courtney Nussbaumer; sisters-in-law Myrna Picchittino of Menasha, and Edith Hebbe of Neenah; half-brothers Robert Volp and Jerome Volp; half-sisters Marie Perkins, Gertrude (Herman) Muchnick, Barbara Hoppe, and many other family members.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Beatrice (Volp) Sontag of Lake Geneva; and a brother, Richard F. Volp, of Stockbridge.
The family thanks Verna and Richard Butt, for the love and support they showed Bernice and Marvin for decades, the kind staff at Bethel Home who provided superior care; and thanks to neighbors Cliff and Darlene Waite, Doug Beaupre, and Lee Jones.
Visitation: Saturday January 10 from Noon to 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Home, 225 N. Eagle Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902 (920-235-4653). Funeral service: Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Home. Burial on Monday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Lake View Memorial Park, 2786 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901 (920-236-2828).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bernice's name to Father Carr's Place 2B, 1062 N. Koeller St, Oshkosh WI 54902 (920-231-2378)
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.
Kristine wrote on January 14, 2015
I am the Social Work student who was spending time with Bernice at Bethel. I enjoyed our conversations and writing Christmas cards with her this year. She had such a pleasant demeanor and warm smile.
Joyce Nelson wrote on January 9, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Nussbaumer family. Bernice will be missed. May she rest in peace.
Kathy Paschke wrote on January 7, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Bernice's family. Over twenty years ago she taught me to braid rugs, a past-time I enjoy yet today. She was an amazing and talented woman.
Bob Sorenson and family wrote on January 7, 2015
Dear Marvin, Roy, Ralph and families,
We wish to extend our deepest condolences. Bernice was always a dear and loyal friend of our family, especially my parents. We will miss her but her music will play on, here and in heaven.
The family of Lillian Crowley wrote on January 5, 2015
Our sympathy to the Nussbaumer family. We will always remember Bernice and Marvin for the music they played at the parties we had at Kaudy Hall. It was always a good time dancing to the polkas. Heaven is full of music today, because Bernice is there with her accordian. Rest in peace.