Bernice Raebel

Bernice Regina Raebel

(nee Schmitz) Born November 10, 1933

Died February 7, 2026

Beloved wife of the late Anthony. Loving mother of the late Mark Raebel and Christine Fredrich. Grandmother of Calvin Brandow, Chelsey Fredrich (Kurty Minor), and Catie (Kenny) Mahala. Great-grandmother of Rowen, Caden, Briggs, Tilly, and Sloane. Also survived by sisters Joan and Rose Ann and brothers Robert and Gene. Preceded in death by her parents Art and Esther Schmitz and siblings Marion, Cyril, Charlie, Sam, Leonard, and Rita Jean. Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Bernice was raised on a farm with her ten brothers and sisters. She got married and moved to her house on Main Street in Menomonee Falls where she resided for 60 years. She raised her two children there. Throughout most of her life, Bernice was a caregiver. Starting early on, she took care of her dying mother, some of her younger siblings, then took care of her ailing father. Along with other relatives, she also took care of her three grandchildren and cherished her time with them. Later in life she cared for her dying husband. She always lent a hand wherever she could.

Bernice worked for 30 years in the Menomonee Falls school system as a cook (a really great cook!) She was involved in a lot of charitable work as well, including St. Vincent DePaul, Franciscan Peace Makers, church fish fries, and cleaned her Parish. At the center of her life was God. She prayed and spoke with Him daily, knowing in her heart he was there walking with her. She left her life up to Him.

As her husband passed, then her son, she decided to move out of her big house. Grace Commons is the home she chose and has been there since 2021. She made many friends and loved her games. She played BINGO, Rummikub, cards, left right center, and was usually a winner. She lived a long and happy life as she would often say. She loved Wisconsin, the four seasons, and the great USA.

Many thanks to Zilber Hospice for taking care of Bernice so respectfully and compassionately.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 13th from 9:30-10:30 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church, N74W13604 Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM. Interment Sunnyside Cemetery, Lannon. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church.