Bernice C. McCollum, age 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 29, 2016 at Aurora West Allis Medical Center.

Visitation for Bernice will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 511 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam with Fr. Martin Pable and Fr. Mike Erwin as Concelebrants. Burial will take place at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, town of Beaver Dam, followed by a luncheon to be served at Cornerstone.

Bernice was born on April 21, 1928 in Beaver Dam, the daughter of Carl J. and Josephine (Beers) Haider Sr. She pursued an elementary education degree from Cardinal Stritch University and enjoyed many years of teaching, eventually retiring from the Milwaukee Public Schools. Bernice was united in marriage to Fred Badke and Edgar McCollum, whom both preceded her in death. She enjoyed butterflies, classical music and attending the symphony.

Bernice is survived by her stepchildren, Kenneth (Sharon) Badke, Richard Badke, Juan (Thomas) Chevalier, Judy (Neil) Achatz, Jeffry (Dorothy) Badke, Sharon Polivick and Lester W. McCollum; niece, Helen Keil; nephew, John (Margaret) Haider; cousins, Caroline Patterson, Al, Carl and Mary Budde, Margaret Betts, Robert, William, Thomas Beers and special friends, Lee Held, Lois Servais and Eunice Wink.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; her siblings, Carl (Lucie) Jr., Aurelia (Fred), Marie, Rita (Sister Aimee), Thecla and Paul, her nice Mary Jo (Harvey) Austin and cousin Francis (Eddie) Emmer.

If desired, memorials in Bernice's name may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Milwaukee or www.thecapuchins.org .

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.



Watch Bernice's Life Tribute Video