Bernice E. Lehman

Bernice E. Lehman, 92, of Brookfield, formerly of the Tigerton area, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Lakewood Assisted Living and Memory Care in Brookfield. Bernice Lehman was called to her heavenly home on her 92nd birthday, March 5, 2024. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, her longtime caregivers from Lakewood Assisted Living and Memory Care, and with the care and attentive support from her hospice nurses, Jordan and Amanda, and the entire Brighton Hospice team. Bernice was born on March 5, 1932, to Mr. and Mrs. Trygve Brevik of Iola. She graduated from Tigerton High School, and shortly after graduation, at 18 years old, she was united in marriage to Wallace Lehman on Aug. 26, 1950, at St John’s Lutheran church in Tigerton. Her lifelong friend, Violet Wolfe (nee Bricko), was her maid of honor, and Donald Lehman, Wallace’s brother, served as the best man. Bernice worked with her husband on their farm in Tigerton and quickly had three children. In 1956, Bernice and her husband sold their cattle and dairy farm and moved their family to Milwaukee. Bernice worked as a laborer in several factories while raising her children, most notably the Zeigler Candy Factory and Globe Union. She was a longtime employee of Gimbels department store, a job she absolutely loved for the sales. It wasn’t long before Bernice and Wallace had two more children, adding to their growing family. In the 1960s and early 1970s, Bernice and Wallace invested in rental properties and became landlords. Tragedy struck in 1975 with Bernice suddenly becoming a widow at 43. While difficult, Bernice’s strong work ethic and determination to raise her five children helped her to succeed admirably. With the support of her sons, David and Randy, Bernice continued being a landlord with a smaller number of properties and changed her line of work to be able to be home with her younger daughters in the evening. Bernice worked for many years as a dietary aide at St. Luke’s Hospital, retiring at 65. Being bored after six months of retirement, she went back to enjoying work part time at UPS as a teamster, retiring for good at 73. Family was most important and at the heart of everything Bernice did. Being the oldest daughter from a big family with eight siblings, Bernice quickly learned domestic skills, which served her well as she raised her own family. She was an excellent sewer and enjoyed making outfits for her children. Her home-cooked meals were always enjoyed by those who had the pleasure to be in her company. Her homemade lefse, rolls and fried dumplings were special treats with her children. She enjoyed hosting and welcomed everyone, especially during the holidays. Bernice loved animals and had many pets over the years. Animals loved her too, always gravitating toward her. She made home-cooked meals for her pets as well; she loved making French toast with syrup for Charlie. Bernice always had a love of horses, and in her retirement, enjoyed attending the Kentucky Derby on multiple occasions with her daughters, Jackie and Karen; son-in-law, David; and David’s mother, Betty. This tradition continued for three decades and expanded to include her daughter, Linda, and all her grandchildren. Music was always enjoyed by Bernice, especially country music. It was a special treat for her when she took a trip to Tennessee and saw the Grand Ole Opry and Loretta Lynn’s ranch. Watching the Lawrence Welk show every week was a must. Polka dancing was also a favorite pastime for her, especially when she was younger, teaching her husband, and then going to dances on the weekend in the Tigerton area. Bernice had a special relationship with her sister, Alice, enjoying visits together as their families grew. They especially enjoyed playing sheepshead with their husbands whenever they got together, and campfires with the family during deer season. Bernice was a loving and doting grandmother. She enjoyed caring for and spending time with her five grandchildren whenever she could. Her home cooking was always a hit, especially her rolls made from scratch and those awesome buttered noodles. While dementia set limitations on Bernice’s independence, it didn’t stop her warm, caring and humorous personality from shining through. She always expressed concern and support to her children and grandchildren, and visits with her eight great-grandchildren always included a word of encouragement, along with warm hugs and kisses. Faith was constant in Bernice’s life. As she moved within the city of Milwaukee and Greenfield, she was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, St. Martini Lutheran Church and Greenfield Park Lutheran Church. Members of Greenfield Park Lutheran Church frequently visited Bernice ensuring she received communion when she could no longer attend services. Survivors include sons, David Lehman, West Allis, and Randy Lehman, Greenfield; daughters, Linda Mann (Robert), Brookfield, Karen Lehman-Reynolds (David), Menomonee Falls, and Jacqueline Rosenbecker (Jay), Phelps; grandchildren, Jennifer Schrammel, Brookfield, Katherine Weisse (Jack), Brookfield, Emily Worden (Mark), Fitchburg, Andrea Spiekerman (Cameron), Menomonee Falls, and Joseph Rosenbecker (fiancé Alicia Knauf), Madison; great-grandchildren, Ava and Elizabeth Schrammel, Brianna, Edward and Oliver Weisse, James and Rowan Worden, and Wren Spiekerman; brother-in-law, Donald (Mary) Lehman, Tigerton; sisters-in-law, Leah Lehman, Tigerton, Betty Brevik, Iola, and Linda Brevik, Menasha;, and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Arlyn Brevik, Norman Brevik, Ronald Brevik, Gordon Brevik; sisters, Sylvia Osterberger, Elizabeth Schoch, Alice Polley, Diane Hobin; sisters-in-law, Eva Lehman, Kura Lehman, Cheryl Lehman, Elizabeth Miller, Mary Jean Mathes; brothers-in-law, Lester Lehman, Victor Lehman, Forest Lehman, Robert Lehman, Herbert Lehman, Stanely Miller, Sid Mathes, Leo Schoch Sr., Gene Polley. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home, Tigerton, 127 Cedar St., with the Rev. Clifford Kessen officiating. Interment will take place following the service at Tigerton Union Cemetery. Friends and family will be gathering at the funeral home on Sunday from noon until the time of service. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.