Bernice Pyka

Bernice Pyka, 84, of Independence, passed away in the comforts of her own home on October 3rd, 2024.

Bernice was born on September 10, 1940, on her family farm in Travers Valley to George and Gunda Gierok. At the age of 18, she married the love of her life, Edmund Pyka, the farm boy from up the valley. Together, they farmed and raised their four children.

Anyone who knew Bernice, knew she had one of the biggest hearts. She loved gathering people together, whether that was hosting parties, getting family together for the holidays, or simply sending food and baked goods home for others to enjoy with their loved ones. You never left Bernice's house with an empty stomach. Her bread became a staple for many in the community, many of which she baked for until the day she passed away. She had a great gift and heart for baking. She never looked at a recipe. Bernice baked with her heart, not a measuring cup.

Bernice is survived by her four kids: Theresa (Randy) Kulig, Thomas (Christine) Pyka, Mary Lou (Jonathan) Bisek, and Anthony (Marlet) Pyka, her ten grandchildren: Brad (Sara) Kulig, Cherie (Scott) Miemietz, Katie (Vic) Vuchetich, Becky Bisek, Kendra Bisek, Grace Pyka, Ben Pyka, Nathan Pyka, Joseph (fiancee Nicole Noreen) Pyka, Matt Pyka, and her five great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Edmund, her parents, and her siblings, Albin Gierok, Cecelia Killian, and Patricia Konter.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence with Father George Thayilkuzhitottu officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the mass at church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. To express condolences to her family online, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com.

FOR LOCAL FLORAL ORDERS, PLEASE CALL LIBERTY FLORAL (715) 985-3314.