Bernice Rita Feest

Bernice Feest, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and proud American, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at the age of 97, in the presence of her family at Shorehaven. Her life was characterized by a deep Catholic faith, enduring love, and an unselfish, unshakable strength that touched everyone who knew her.

Born on September 18, 1928, to Julius and Stella Verhaeghe, in Racine, WI, Bernice was raised in a close-knit family with her parents and sister Rose. She attended St. Edward’s and St. Catherine’s High School (class of 1948). On January 6, 1951, Bernice married William Vincent Feest, while William was on leave from the United States Marine Corp. Their marriage was a loving partnership until Bill passed away on April 16, 1989. Together they raised four children—Wayne (Margo, Julie - 2015) Glenn (Heidi), Julie (Rick Mancuso) and Lisa (John Wiesner). She was a grandmother to fourteen children and a great-grandmother to twenty-five with two more on the way.

Bernice was a beautiful, loving, generous, tenacious, witty, clever, and fun-loving person, with a deep faith in God which sustained her and was reflected by the way she lived her life. Her interests while she grew up included dance and going to movies at the Venetian/Rialto theatres. Later in life she enjoyed traveling, gardening, watching football, playing golf, card games, curling, line-dancing, bowling, skiing, and socializing with neighbors and friends. Together with widowed friends, she created the Saturday morning breakfast club at River Run, which lasted for many years. She was a tireless worker, having worked at Motor Specialty, and InSinkErator, followed by owning and co-managing with Bill, Queens Way Self Service Laundromats and numerous apartment units. After their grandchildren arrived, she devoted herself to helping her children with childcare and supported all their sporting events.

Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to know her. May her memory be a blessing, and the example of her life inspire generations to come.

Funeral Services celebrating Bernice’s life will be held at 10:30 am at the funeral home, Saturday November 1, 2025. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy. 32. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for Visitation on Saturday at 9:30 am until time of service at the funeral home.

In honor of Bernice Feest, donations may be sent to the family for a future charitable contribution to organizations that she valued. Your kindness is deeply appreciated.