Bernice E. Valesano

DULUTH, Minn. - Bernice E. Valesano, 91, a longtime resident of Wakefield, Mich., passed away early Friday morning, June 26, 2015, at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth.

Bernice was born on June 1, 1924, in Stratford, Wis., a daughter of Albert and Anna (Drexler) Grambow. She resided in Stratford for 12 years, before moving with her family to Wakefield and attending local schools.

Bernice worked for the Cudahy (Wis.) Packing Company, Gogebic Medical Care Facility, Quality Rubber Manufacturing Company and Porkie Company.

She was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield and its Women's Guild, and was an active member of the Wakefield Senior Citizens Center.

On March 2, 1946, Bernice was united in marriage to Dominic L. "Dava" Valesano at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church by Father Jimski.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and caring friend to all, and will be dearly missed.

Bernice is survived by a son, John (Barbara); a daughter, Jane (David) Pawlak; four grandchildren, Kerry Hongisto (Travis), Jeffrey Valesano, Jay Pawlak (Heather) and Lindsay Potter (Derek); six great-grandchildren, Kaelyn Hongisto, Audra and Mikayla Pawlak, and Jaxson, Zoe and Maddex Potter; three step-grandchildren, Wade Bushaw, Mark Bushaw and Michele McMahon (Johnny); a sister, Lorraine Zemplinski; two sisters-in-law, Edna Grambow and Lucille Grambow; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dominic, on Aug. 26, 1984; seven brothers, Clarence, Bob, Ted, Arnie, Elroy, Bill and Ray Grambow; and a sister, Florence Dahlberg.

Cremation has already taken place.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, July 7, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. Antony Lukka, celebrant. Also in attendance will be the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard.

Following the Mass, lunch will be served downstairs of church.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jay Pawlak, Derek Potter, Travis Hongisto, Mark Bushaw, Wade Bushaw and John McMahon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Women's Guild, 407 Ascherman St., Wakefield, MI 49968, or to the Wakefield Senior Citizens Center, 900 Pierce St., Wakefield, MI  49968.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager.  Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.

- "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15.