Obituary: Bernice J. Christensen (nee LaFratta)

Bernice J. Christensen (nee LaFratta), a lifelong Waukesha resident, died on Friday, June 15, 2012, at River Hills West Healthcare Center at the age of 76.

She was born in Waukesha on Nov. 30, 1935, the daughter of Angelo and Violet (nee Migach) LaFratta. Bernice worked for 29 years at Avalon Square in Waukesha.  She was a member of the Waukesha Deaf Organization and the Southeast Wisconsin Deaf Seniors Group. Bernice was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

She will be sadly missed by her five children: David (Diane) Christensen, Joseph (Susan) Christensen, Madonna Hoover-Christensen, Paul (Denise) Christensen and Ann (John) Siverling, her eight grandchildren: Stephanie (Dylan) Johnson, Ashley Christensen, Ryan Christensen, Alison Christensen, Jason Christensen, Amanda Siverling, Emily Christensen and Christopher Siverling and one great-grandchild Caleb Johnson.  She is further survived by her brother Dennis (Sandy) LaFratta along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her father Angelo LaFratta and most recently by her mother Violet Tinnes on April 27, 2012. 

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and all of the staff at River Hills West, Seasons Hospice and Heartland Hospice for all of the compassionate care they provided to Bernice.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 25, 2012 from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 822 N. East Avenue, Waukesha.  Father Christopher Klusman will preside.  Graveside services will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.  For further information, please call at 262-547-4035 or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com to leave the family an online tribute message.