Frank & Bernice Wusz Fund
Frank was born on April 10th, 1919, the youngest of 6 children to German immigrants who arrived in the US in 1906. Bernice was born December 22nd, 1919 and was the 12thof 17 children. Frank and Bernice Wusz became parishioners of St. Ignatius in 1940 shortly after they were married and purchased a house near Powell and 35thplace. They lived there raising their three children, Tim, Karen, and Nick. Frank worked at Stark-Norris Machine Shop as a machinist and also served the US Army in Germany until he was discharged in 1946. He spent time before and after the war in the Oregon National Guard. Bernice ran a childcare business that she started in 1952 while staying at home raising their family. In 1954 Bernice’s brother was ordained in Rome, Monsignor Arthur Dernbach. Frank and Bernice were very active parishioners volunteering in many areas of parish and school. Their children attended St. Ignatius Grade School graduating in 1956 (Tim), 1958 (Karen) and 1964 (Nick). In 1966 Frank and Bernice purchased a bigger home near 35thand Franklin wanting to remain at St. Ignatius parish. In 1968 their daughter Karen married Lyle. In 1974 their son Nick married Becky and in 1975 Tim Married Bonnie. That same year Frank and Bernice took a trip to Germany to visit Frank’s relatives that survived WWII that they had never met. Bernice saved for over 20 years for the trip. In the mid 80’s Frank retired from Stark-Norris and Bernice retired from her childcare business. As a hobby Frank and Bernice were a part of the drag racing scene for 25 years. In 1990 Frank and Bernice celebrated their 50thWedding Anniversary with a wing ding at the Milwaukee Elks Lodge. In 1994 their son Nick unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 43 years old. Being involved at the parish and their faith community was very important to Frank and Bernice. Bernice helped Mothershare moms for many years giving them a two-hour break while caring for their children every Wednesday morning. Frank and Bernice celebrated their 60thand 65thanniversaries at the Milwaukee Elks Lodge with friends and family. In 2008 Frank was hospitalized after having a stroke and passed quickly on May 5that age 89.
After Frank’s passing, Bernice stayed in their house on Waverleigh Blvd where they had lived for 52 years. She never did learn to drive so she walked to church every Sunday except when the weather was really nasty, then she would get a ride with Margaret Nathman. Several times a week, Bernice would walks to the Safeway store at 39thand Powell to buy her groceries. Occasionally she would accept a ride from her neighbor, Shirley, but only when she needed items that were awkward to carry. Frequently when it is not raining, she would walk down to the Cleveland High School athletic field and walk around the cinder track to get her “exercise”. If it was cold and windy she would only do two or three laps. If the weather was more moderate, she would do more laps. Bernice was quite frugal all of her life saving money. She was well-known for her pastries and cookies, which she shared freely. Gardening was long-time passion and is what kept her young and flexible in her elder years. She loved playing Bunco and Rummikub with friends, and her competitive spirit kept her winning. She was a caring friend to many in illness. She loved her children, four grand-children, and four great-grand-children. Bernice had a kind heart, good humor and a positive spirit throughout her life. Bernice Wusz passed away August 12, 2015 at the age of 95.
Through the generosity of Frank and Bernice, the St. Ignatius Foundation received money which will greatly benefit children for years to come. A named fund has been set up to honor the values that both Frank and Bernice shared through their community at St. Ignatius Parish and School. They were very appreciative of the Holy Names Sisters and the Jesuit priests that nourished their faith and family. They valued Catholic Education and loved children. Written by Jo Ann Grubb with help from Tim Wusz
After Frank’s passing, Bernice stayed in their house on Waverleigh Blvd where they had lived for 52 years. She never did learn to drive so she walked to church every Sunday except when the weather was really nasty, then she would get a ride with Margaret Nathman. Several times a week, Bernice would walks to the Safeway store at 39thand Powell to buy her groceries. Occasionally she would accept a ride from her neighbor, Shirley, but only when she needed items that were awkward to carry. Frequently when it is not raining, she would walk down to the Cleveland High School athletic field and walk around the cinder track to get her “exercise”. If it was cold and windy she would only do two or three laps. If the weather was more moderate, she would do more laps. Bernice was quite frugal all of her life saving money. She was well-known for her pastries and cookies, which she shared freely. Gardening was long-time passion and is what kept her young and flexible in her elder years. She loved playing Bunco and Rummikub with friends, and her competitive spirit kept her winning. She was a caring friend to many in illness. She loved her children, four grand-children, and four great-grand-children. Bernice had a kind heart, good humor and a positive spirit throughout her life. Bernice Wusz passed away August 12, 2015 at the age of 95.
Through the generosity of Frank and Bernice, the St. Ignatius Foundation received money which will greatly benefit children for years to come. A named fund has been set up to honor the values that both Frank and Bernice shared through their community at St. Ignatius Parish and School. They were very appreciative of the Holy Names Sisters and the Jesuit priests that nourished their faith and family. They valued Catholic Education and loved children. Written by Jo Ann Grubb with help from Tim Wusz