Bernice Mary Geurts, age 98 left this earth for her eternal home on October 7, 2026, with her family at her side. She was born on October 13, 1927, to the late Elzear and Matha (Lamers) Vanden Wymelenberg. Bernice attended high school at Wrightstown High School, where coincidentally she became aware of Florent Geurts. Following high school, Florent deployed to WWII, and Bernice and he shared many letters back and forth. Upon his return the two married, moved to Appleton and began their family. They shared 49 years together at the time of Florent’s passing in 2000.

Bernice was the ultimate homemaker. She taught her children to cook, can foods, bake, sew. Her Christmas candy was legendary as were her Christmas Cinnamon Rolls. She was an excellent musician, and the household was always filled with the joyful sound of music. She played electric piano for a band called Grandpa and the Kids, following her retirement, a group which often went to St Paul home to play for the residents.

Bernice enjoyed time at the family cottage up north. She enjoyed that time so much that she would often go up with or without Florent to be there with the six children and the wringer washing machine. She loved the neighborhood cocktail parties on Knott’s Lane. The northern air was often filled with polka music, laughter and of course food-provided by Florent’s famous bean feed.

Bernice is survived by her children: Cynthia (Paul) Blanchet, Jeffrey (Lynn) Geurts, Julie (Larry) Sprangers, Jo Lopez, (partner James Allen), Deborah (Gary) Hoeft, Charles (Christine) Geurts; 17 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren. She is further survived by her sister Charlene (Sylvester) Giesen, sisters-in-law Bonnie and Marcia Vanden Wymelenberg; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Florent; siblings: Fr Marlin Vanden Wymelenberg, Richard Vanden Wymelenberg, Donna (Vic) Pritzl, Carl Vanden Wymelenberg; and sister-in-law Marilyn Vanden Wymelenebrg.

At Bernice’s request, her family will celebrate a private mass in her honor and she will be laid to rest privately at Holy Name Cemetery, Kimberly.