Bernadine A. (Potrykus) Wilinski

Surrounded by her loving family, Bernadine A. Wilinski, age 90, entered into eternal life on Sunday, July 20, 2014, at her residence.  Bernadine was born in Milwaukee on October 11, 1923, daughter of the late Edward and Martha (Nee: Perszyk) Potrykus.

She married Ralph S. Wilinski on February 23, 1943, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pewaukee; he preceded her in death on December 9, 1972.  She was a 4-H leader, member of the Woman’s Club, served as president of the Christian Mothers at St. Stephan’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee, American Legion Auxiliary Post 434 in Oak Creek, the Women’s Civic Council in Racine and the Florence Nightingale Society.  Bernadine attended Rosemary Bishoff’s Modeling School in Milwaukee and enjoyed reading, gardening, and antiques.

She was Mrs. Santa Claus for Racine Cooperative Nursery School for several years; was known as “Grandma B” to many families she babysat for during the years; gave many hat demonstrations to local organizations as “The Hat Lady” owning more than 200 hats; and had a Monday 500 card club with friends and her sister, Gloria.  She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Above all, she was loving and devoted to her family and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her four children, Catherine (Lyle) Andersen of Caledonia, Susan F. Vasquez of Portland, OR, Helen (Alan) Parker of Pickett, WI; Mark Wilinski of Racine; six grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; one great-grandchild to be born in December; one step-great-grandson; brother, Edward Potrykus of Trinity, FL; sister, Gloria Potrykus of Racine; sister-in-law, Marilynn Potrykus of Kingston, MA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Clarence Potrykus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 28, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., with Rev. William Dietzler officiating.  Interment will follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Milwaukee.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church have been suggested.

A special thank you to the staffs at Compassionate Care Hospice and Cardiac Connections for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine, WI     (262) 634-7888