Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 60 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Bertnadette "Bernie" Walker
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Bernadette “Bernie” Pettis Walker on October 11, 2024, just one month shy of her 66 birthday.
Bernie, one of seven children of Everett and Marcella (Zingshiem) Pettis was born November 11, 1958. She grew up on a farm in Otter Creek Township and attended school in Osseo. While in high school her parents moved into the city of Osseo, where she graduated from Osseo-Fairchild High School in 1977. One week following her graduation she took a secretarial position with Scobie Insurance Company in Eau Claire.
Bernie was united in marriage to Lynn E. Walker on April 7, 1979, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Augusta. She continued working in Eau Claire for a time, but mostly assisted Lynn and his family on the 5th generation family farm currently known as Skyglo Farms. Bernie also worked off the farm at Dickinsen Insurance in Augusta, for her older brother at the Augusta Locker Plant and her last place of employment was with Stockman’s in Osseo.
As Lynn’s health was deteriorating and his kidney disorder required dialysis multiple times during the week Bernie left the work force to concentrate on him. Bernie’s loved for Lynn was evident when she learned to do his dialysis treatments at their home.
Bernie’s faith has always been an important part of her life; from early on in the celebration of her baptism and first communion at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church through the strength it gave her during the loss of close family and friends and especially during the illness and passing of Lynn, her beloved husband of 43 years.
Bernie felt it was important to give of her time and talents back to the church congregation. During the Knights of Columbus fish fries and other church functions she was always a willing participant giving countless hours of her time and always with a pleasant smile and caring disposition. She enjoyed her involvement in both St. Anthony’s and St. Raymond’s Choirs.
Bernie always kept herself busy, whether it was gardening, making home-made bread, canning, assisting at the farm, lending a helping hand to neighbors and family – she was always willing to help in any way possible. Care giving was a part of her nature, as she often visited and assisted with the sick and home bond and took care of children whenever her help was needed. If you had a project to tackle and needed an extra set of hands, Bernie was your “go to” person.
Through the years Bernie enjoyed the time spent with the Pettis and Walker family, whether it was at a special family gathering or just over a friendly game of cards, fond memories were always made. She also cherished the many close friendships that she made over the years and had just recently returned from a very enjoyable 15 day vacation in Alaska that was spent with long time friends.
Bernie will be deeply and dearly missed by so many close family and friends but our loss is lightened knowing that she is joyously reunited with her parents, Marcella and Everett; her soul mate Lynn who passed away in September of 2022; two siblings in infancy; sister-in-law Karin Pettis; and Lynn’s parents, Marshall and Florence Walker.
Bernie is survived by her siblings, Gary (Dianne) Pettis and Tom Pettis all of Augusta, Rosemary (Patrick) Rooney of Eau Claire, Robert (Sally) Pettis of Osseo; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandy (Ron) Shave of Custer, Eric (Diane) Walker of rural Augusta; along with many beloved nieces and nephews with their families; aunts and uncles, Ellis and Marjorie Pettis, Virginia and Dean Schwoch, Marcella Pettis, Beverly Pettis, Jo Kolpien all of Augusta, Harriet (Daryl) Dehnke, Betty Pettis all of Eau Claire; and their families.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Raymond’s of Penafort Catholic Church on Mallard Road, rural Fall Creek, with Father Greg Bohren officiating.
Burial will be in the Thompson Valley Cemetery, rural Augusta. Friends may call Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, and hour prior to services Thursday at the church.
