Bernice H. Perry

Bernice “Hunsie” Perry, went to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at the age of 99 years. She was residing at the Wausau Manor for the last several years.  She was born on April 19, 1924 to the late John and Minnie (Lemke) Zimmerman in Merrill.  Bernice attended and graduated from Merrill. She married Wilburn “Wibby” Perry on February 2, 1946 in Merrill, and he preceded her in death in 1975. She enjoyed the farm life and working on the family farm growing up.  Bernice had waitressed, and spent many years at Weinbrenner as a laborer and leather worker. Bernice enjoyed being a homemaker and taking care of her 4 children, whom she loved dearly. She enjoyed tending to her vegetable gardens and her flower gardens, with many flowers, especially daisies, which were her favorite. She looked forward to watching the birds and squirrels at the feeders and would always keep the feeders full for her woodland friends! Bernice loved animals in general, especially dogs.  She also enjoyed baking Christmas cookies with family and attending the family gatherings, as she loved spending time with those she loved.  Bernice liked to work with plastic canvas and embroidery, as well as playing 500 Rummy and watching her soap operas.  Bernice also loved watching the Packers and Brewers play, coloring, drawing and listening to music. Family was a very important part in her life and she had a strong faith in God.  Bernice was a member at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill.  Bernice was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and best friend. She will be greatly missed but memories of her will live on in her loved one’s hearts forever.

We love you to the moon and back!

Bernice leaves behind her children: Randy (Diane) Perry of Wausau and Tonia ‘Toni’ (Michael) Hoffman of Merrill, daughter-in-law: Jan Perry, grandchildren: Shelly Perry, Corey (Cathy) Dornbrack, Jon (Michelle) Perry, Naomi (Josh) Caraway, Holly (Pete) Bella, Mollie (Jon) Stencil and Christopher (Briah) Perry, along with her grand fur baby: “Buddy”.  She is further survived by her great grandchildren: Alayna, Carl, Journee, Reece, Peter, Jackson, Rose, Taytum, Gabriel, Jace, Sylvia and Mick, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Wilburn “Wibby”, son: Michael Perry, daughter: Shari Guenther, granddaughter: Missy Guenther, sisters: Louise Krueger and Virginia “Ungie” Sell, niece: Karen Woellner, daughter-in-law: Linda Perry, son-in-law: Chuck Guenther, aunts and uncles, cousins and 2 fur babies: “Sparky” and “Sonny Boy”.

The Funeral Service for Bernice will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 11am at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill.  Pastor Mike Southcombe will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2023, from 4pm-8pm at Waid Funeral Home, and again on Monday, August 21, 2023, from 10am until the time of the service, at the church.  Interment at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

For those unable to attend the funeral service, it will be recorded and posted under her obituary the following day. 

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Bernice’s name be sent to either the Lincoln County Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Family wishes to thank some special staff members at Wausau Manor for their care, compassion and professionalism.  Thank you to Angie, Candy, Michelle, Roxy, Kersyn, Hannah, Elizabeth and Christina.  Family also wishes to express gratitude to Pastor Mike for all of his visits and prayers and to Kathy and Allison with Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.