Bernice Ann Van Asten

Bernice Ann (Blazek) Van Asten, age 85, from Appleton, WI, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025.

Born on January 3, 1940, to Frank and Beatrice (Stoffel) Blazek, Bernice began her early years on a farmstead on McCarthy Rd with her two sisters, Patsy and Joann, until 1946 when her parents built and moved into their family house on Mason St. As a young girl, Bernice walked everywhere - to school at St. Therese, swimming at Erb Pool and ice skating at Jones Park. As a teenager, she worked summers at Blacks drive-in as a carhop, wearing poodle skirts and roller skates. She attended Appleton High School, graduating in 1958 and worked in the postal office at Schlintz Bros. drug store.

Bernice loved to dance. At a New Year’s Eve dance at the Cinderella Ballroom, wearing a beautiful red dress, she met her love, James (Jim) Van Asten and they later married on May 12, 1962. After a short stay in Washington state and the Van Asten farm, they returned to Appleton to call home.

Bernice was devoted to her family. She and Jim raised five children, daughter Debbie (Tim) Woods, and sons Tim, Terry (fiancé Jamie), Todd (Paula) and Troy (Brittney). Having four boys with their first name all starting with a “T” would at times baffle her when trying to get one’s attention.

Jim and Bernice enjoyed many activities together including square dancing, bowling, boating and playing sheepshead with extended family and friends. They also volunteered at St Thomas More Catholic Church and became regular bingo helpers on Saturday nights.

As the heart of the family, Bernice was the one to organize and bring the family together for celebrations. Family members knew that there would always be cookies available in her house anytime they visited. She loved seeing and hearing about her kids, 11 grandkids, James (Cassie), Andrew (Britney), Raleigh, Kaz (Alyssa), Blaine, Vaili (Matt) Ralston, Leilani, Sydney, Isabelle, Ivy and Revecca and 3 great grandkids, Ryan, Atten and Adeline and was proud to share their stories and adventures with others.

Bernice is survived by her kids, grandkids, great grandkids and her sister, Patsy Garvey, who all loved her deeply and will cherish her memories forever. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Joann, her brother-in-law Vance Garvey, and her daughter-in-law, Pam (Fuerst) Van Asten.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Bernice at 11:00am on Thursday August 14, 2025, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald St., Appleton. Family and friends may visit at the church from 9:00am until the time of the mass.

Thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at ThedaCare-Appleton for the care and comfort you provided to Bernice during her hospital stay.

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