Bernice Birr

Bernice Birr (Schliep), 98, was born on her family’s farm in Abrams on December 30, 1925, the youngest of seven children.  Daughter of Albert and Augusta Schliep, she grew up on the farm, and like most children of that time, participated in many of the farm chores.  On October 16, 1948, she married Nathan Birr and on their family farm in Morgan, they raised their six children.  Retirement from the farm came in 1989 though they continued to help with the farming and enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren for years afterward.  In the past several years, Bernice resided at Serenity Gardens Assisted Living in Gillett.

As a young girl, she was given the opportunity to take piano lessons and learned to play with only one year of training (!). Later Bernice became proficient at playing the organ as well, which she did for over 65 years at several area congregations including the Morgan EUB, and the Oconto Falls and Abrams United Methodist Churches.

Bernice was famous for making yummy foods – especially desserts.  Well into her eighties, she entered baking contests at the Oconto County Fair winning numerous times for her dairy inspired treats.

Bernice was an avid gardener enjoying creating and maintaining numerous flower beds as well as making beautiful floral arrangements. She was an active member of the Northern Gardeners’ Club attending various garden walks, one of which she hosted at the age of 90.  Bernice was also a member of the Chatty Hatters, a group that continued to visit her at Serenity on a monthly basis.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, her older siblings (Marjorie, Ada, Selma, Alfred, Edna, and Ruth), her husband of 59 years, Nathan, and her daughter, Holly.  She is survived by her remaining five children:  Bruce (Rae), Gene, Brian (Jill), Diane (Chuck), and Curt (Michelle); as well as her grandchildren, Marlene (Andy), Trevor (Jamie), Parker (Elizabeth), Landon (Melissa), Monica, Owen, Allison (Todd), Nathan, Marie; and step-grandchildren (Chris, Andrea, Renae), and great-grandchildren Samantha, Jack, Olivia, Braedon, Aylie, and Brody, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Bernice’s life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Oconto Falls United Methodist Church on Farm Road.  Visitation will begin at 10AM with a Noon service followed by a lunch.

The family would like to thank the staff at Serenity Gardens and Unity Hospice for their attentive care of Mom.

Memorial gifts may be made in Bernice’s name to either the Oconto Falls United Methodist Church, of which she was a life-long member, or to the Salvation Army.