Bernice Smieja

Bernice Smieja, 85, of Independence, died Sunday, July 17, 2016, at Dove Healthcare-West in Eau Claire. Bernice was born February 8, 1931 in Hale Township, Trempealeau County, to Albert and Agnes (Kampa) Halama. She married Clarence "Bud" Smieja on May 19, 1952 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Independence. Bernice was a bookkeeper for the Independence Public Schools, a cook at Club Midway for eleven years and a cook at SS. Peter & Paul School for twelve years. She served many years on the entertainment committee for the church fall festival. She was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, its women's organization and rosary society. Bernice enjoyed gardening, canning and baking. She was known for her painted yard decorations. Survivors include her husband, Bud Smieja; seven children, Celeste (Willard) Schank of Independence, Jim (Ellen) Smieja of Independence, Joregette (John) Pronschinske of Arcadia, Perry Smieja of Independence, Micky (Dondie) Smieja of Independence, Trudy Butler of Prior Lake, Minn. and Ivy (Jared) Noffke of Holmen; a sister, Eleanor Andre of Independence; three brothers, Donald (Eileen) Halama, Gerald (Delores) Halama and Conrad (Pat) Halama all of Independence; 16 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2016 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bernice Smieja, please visit our flower store.