Bernice D. Jaehnig, age 96, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2020, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born in Two Creeks, Wisconsin, on July 5, 1924, to Arthur and Edith (Geerdts) Zierzow.
In 1943 she was united in marriage to Ralph Jaehnig, and, like many young women during WWII, she worked stateside while her husband served in the U.S. Army. After his term of service ended, they settled in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where they raised their family while operating Jaehnigs Liquor Store. In 1973, Ralph and Bernice moved to Mesa, Arizona, where they started Tri-Rentals, a party rental business. Bernice worked for many years alongside her husband and their two sons. She especially loved serving customers by adding her personal touch with decorated wedding arches, flower arrangements, and hand-made bows. Bernice, Ralph, and Ellen also always enjoyed their annual summer visits back to Wisconsin to see family and friends.
Bernice was preceded in death by Ralph (June 2007), her husband of 64 years, and their daughter Ellen Kay Jaehnig (October 2019). She is survived by her son Chet (Barb) of Chandler, Arizona; daughter Jane (Jim) Lepich of Manitowoc, Wisconsin; son Dan (Becky) of Phoenix, Arizona; as well as twelve grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren who love her dearly. She is also survived by her sister Elsie Mattek of Appleton, Wisconsin, and sister-in-law Donna Boyer of El Cajon, California, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
In her long life, Bernice touched the lives of many. Her children wish to thank the many friends from Pilgrim and Emmanuel Lutheran churches, her Mesa neighbors, and the staff from Emerald Glen who helped her in her final years. The prayers and care from family and friends near and far are greatly appreciated.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 31, at 10:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am at Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church, 3257 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona. Those not able to attend are invited to watch the recorded service online at PilgrimMesa.com.
Memorials in Bernice’s name may be given to Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School (Mesa, Arizona), Arizona Lutheran Academy (Phoenix, Arizona), or Manitowoc Lutheran High School (Manitowoc, Wisconsin).
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
My condolences to you and your family Dan god bless her an have her in heaven anything we can due for you an your family don’t forget we are he for you
A wonderful description of a beautiful and loving woman, her extraordinary life and how much she blessed others. My prayers for and sincere condolences to all the family during this difficult time.
Hi cousins, Ruth and I wish you God’s richest blessings of comfort through our living Savior. After a long earthly life the Lord has called his child Bernice to the unending joys of heaven. We rejoice with you all.
We are so sorry for your loss. She is where our Lord and Savior wants her – with Him.
Sharon and Larry Waterstradt
Our condolences to the family of Bernice. She blessed many in her long life and now she is home. We have many fond memories of being with her in our years at pilgrim.
Bill and Lori Boger