Bernice A. Hellwig

Bernice A. Hellwig died peacefully on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse. She was surrounded by family members at the time of her passing. She was born Bernice Herold on December 12, 1920 in Chipmunk Coulee and lived her entire 100 years in the La Crosse area. Bernice married Carl Hellwig on February 24, 1945. Carl and Bernice farmed together in Coon Valley and traveled extensively around the world until Carl’s death in 1990.

Bernice had a long career as a teacher, starting her work with children in a one room schoolhouse at Big Creek. Most of her time in education was spent teaching the primary grades, including many years at State Road School in La Crosse. In retirement she was active volunteering with several organizations including leading tours at the Norskedalen and Hixon House historic sites. Bernice enjoyed writing and wrote the stories of her life. In recent years The Westby Times ran a series of her writings entitled “In My Time” that chronicled a joyful life that spanned from farming with horses to the present day. You can view the stories of Bernice's life in her own words at  https://drive.google.com/file/d/13g_9YjcmQfXzkkuxlKSRw6WUQGeaAUnJ/view?usp=sharing

She is survived by her son Gordon (Liz) Hellwig and daughter Linda (Marty) Gross. She loved and is loved dearly by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Carl Hellwig, son Stuart Hellwig and daughter-in-law Jeanie (Weisenberg) Hellwig.

A funeral service will be held at Hamburg St. Peters Church at 11:00 Saturday, March 20. Visitation will be at the church before the service beginning at 10:00. Rev. Steven Oldre will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.

Donations in Bernice’s memory can be made to Luther High School in Onalaska or to Heifer International, an organization that supports sustainable farming in developing nations.