Bernice M. Reinert, age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at ThedaCare Hospital in Neenah, Wisconsin after a short illness. She was born on July 24, 1931, in Leopolis, Wisconsin to the late Louis and Phyllis (Cerveny) Ashenbrenner. Bernice grew up in Gresham, Wisconsin, graduated from Gresham High School where she was already expressing her love of music where she played the Tuba in the high school marching band and playing piano in a famous local polka band. She continued to hone her musical skills and talent by tickling the ivories on her accordion. Bernice was lovingly referred to as Bunny by high school friends. She started her professional career working at the Shawano Evening Leader and went on to work for an attorney while making her home in Shawano. In 1951, she married the love of her life, Dennis Reinert. Dennis preceded Bernice in death in 2023. They resided in Coeur d' Alene, ID where together they enjoyed the magnificent vistas and spectacular sunsets. Dennis and Bernice moved to Green Bay, WI, where Bernice worked at Clark Oil Company for ten years, before she was offered an Executive Assistant job for the Dept. of Development at St. Norbert College.  She found her role in higher education to be fulfilling as she spent many years working there before retiring. Music was an integral part of livelihood for Bernice as she played the organ at Holy Martyrs of Gorcum Parish for many years and accompanied multiple singers in church musicals, weddings, anniversaries and outings with family and friends. Wherever Bernice went, she entertained on the piano with holiday sing-a-longs, Beer Barrel Polka and Blue Skirt Waltz and accompanied Dennis in his performance of the Green Green Grass of Home. Wherever Bernice went there was music and merriment.  She could hear a song on the radio and play it by ear.  She paid close attention to every piece she played, every movement of her fingers and hands.  Very early on, Bernice was an up-and-coming Maestro. Dennis and Bernice retired to Minocqua, Wisconsin and lived on Booth Lake.  While residing in Minocqua, Bernice volunteered in the gift shop at Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, Wisconsin. Bernice and Dennis made their final home, Shawano, Wisconsin, to be nearer their family and friends. Those that knew Bernice would describe her as a woman of fashion and class and a woman of grace and elegance.  She was confident and poised.  Her style was timeless and effortless.  She carried herself with grace and dignity.  She always knew when to speak and when to listen. There is no doubt that heaven is a bit more beautiful and well-clad when Bernice stepped in and met her Savior and God.  Surely, she is now accompanying the choir of angels.

Bernice leaves behind her two adopted children, Denice Waldhuetter (Reinert) of Menomonee Falls, WI, and David Reinert from Portland, OR.; sister Kathy of Seminole, FL.; seven grandchildren, Charlie, Daniel, Brandon, Arielle, Dylan, Ryan, and Jenna; great-grandchildren, Caydence, Taylor, Otto and Arlo, and will be looking down from the heavens when grand baby Waldhuetter arrives in December 2023.

Bernice is preceded in death by the love of her life, Dennis Reinert.

A memorial service for Bernice will be held at 11:00 am on Friday August 25, 2023, at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Gresham. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the time of service on Friday at the church.