Died: 30 June 2026

Bernice Ruby Wilkens (nee Gerner), age 96 years, of West Bend was called home to be with the Lord on 30 June 2026 at Cedar Community in West Bend surrounded by her loving family.

Bernice was born on 29 December 1929 in West Bend to Arthur and Ella (nee Fick) Gerner. She was united in marriage to Milton Herman Wilkens at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Newburg on 2 July 1949.

Bernice graduated from West Bend High School. She worked in the office at Amity Leather in West Bend. Later she worked at Enger-Kress Pocket Book Co. in West Bend. Bernice enjoyed spending time fishing with her husband, Milton. She also loved knitting and baking, especially making Christmas cookies for family and friends.

Those Bernice leaves behind to cherish her memory include her son, Michael (Lynette) Wilkens; two grandsons, Michael A. Wilkens II and Thomas M. Wilkens; three step-grandchildren, Carisa (Wade) Deheck, Carrie Miller, and Larry Miller; two great-grandsons, Taylor and Carson Wilkens; brother, Warren (Lucille) Gerner; and dear friend, Susan Kohler. She is further survived by six step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Milton; brother, Howard (Esther) Gerner; and sister, June (Bill) Kirby.

VISITATION: Bernice’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, 10 July 2026, from 12:00 Noon until 1:15 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Newburg (623 Congress Drive).

SERVICE: A Memorial Service in remembrance of Bernice will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday at Church with Pastor Jonathan Arndt officiating. Graveside service and urn burial will be at the church cemetery immediately following the service.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Cedar Community for their care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Bernice’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.

Bernice is pictured in the 4th edition of the Friedrich Seidemann Family Tree Book on page 46 and on page 247 with her husband on their wedding day She is listed on page 108 with her husband, their son Michael, their grandchildren and Milton’s parents. She is also listed on page 334 with Bernice’s parents, Milton, Michael, and their grandchildren. Bernice is a 5th generation descendant of Friedrich and Rosina Seidemann and her genealogy line is as follows: Friedrich, Johanna, Charles, Arthur, Bernice.