Bernice Lathrop

Bernice I. Lathrop was born January 31, 1918, daughter of the late Alvina and Elmer Falck in Adell, Wisconsin. She passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, November 3, 2016.

Her family moved to Hortonville when she was in 3rd grade, she helped her folks in their General Mdse. Store. Bernice graduated from Hortonville High School and then went on to Appleton Business College, after graduation she was employed as a private secretary at AAL. She then met Melvin "Smokey" Lathrop and they married on September 20, 1941. She retired from her job in 1943 to start their family. They lived their entire married life in Black Creek, WI. Bernice volunteered in many capacities at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She enjoyed following all three boys activities throughout school and church. She also enjoyed sheepshead and bridge with family and friends. She loved reading, her garden, her kitty, crafts and traveling all over the world with Smokey. Bernice enjoyed going to their cottage and making wonderful holiday meals for the family. She looked forward to family get-togethers, so she could spoil the kids and grandkids. After her sons were in school, she worked part-time for 17 years at Murphy Construction. Bernice enjoyed time spent with her three very good life-long friends, Althea (Spike) Zimmerman, the late Virginia Radloff and the late Helen Mullen.

Bernice is survived by her three sons: Le Roy (Toni) Lathrop, Richard (Bev) Lathrop, and Alan (Debbie) Lathrop; grandchildren: Todd (Sara) Lathrop, Tina (Andrew) Potakar Ken (Athena) Lathrop, Mike (fiancAC.e, Tiffany) Lathrop, Kristin (Phil) Turnbull, Scott (Amanda) Lathrop, and Eric (Brandy) Lathrop; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Herb (Jan) Falck, Marge (Paul) Griep, and Elaine (Ed) Dorn; brother-in-law, Robert Lathrop; and many nieces and nephews and other dear relatives.

Preceded in death by her parents, devoted husband, Melvin "Smokey" Lathrop, brothers and sisters-in-law.

Friends may call at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Black Creek on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. until funeral services at 11 a.m., with Pastor Steve Schlicht officiating. Entombment will be at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

A memorial fund has been established for Immanuel Lutheran Church and for Alzheimer's research.

The Lathrop family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Heartwood Homes, Asera Care and Heartland Hospice for all your care and compassion.

Now Bernice and Smokey will have the best seats in the house to cheer on their beloved Packers and Chicago Cubs. She followed the Cubs journey to the World Series Championship win and was then at peace with the world.