Bernice Lerza

Bernice Ann “Bunny” (Blazonin) Lerza, 88 died peacefully on February 1, 2024 at Edenbrook Senior Care in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was born on March 7, 1935 to Nicholas and Mary Blazonin, and married to Eugene Robert Lerza on July 20, 1957.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Gene, son Joseph Lerza, daughter Mary Lerza Bartosic. She had 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren with one to be born in April, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bunny is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Frank Blazonin. Bunny graduated from Bessemer High School in 1953, and worked as a legal secretary until marriage. She was a stay at home Mom, and took pride in raising her son and daughter. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading romance novels, and spending time with her family and friends. She cared for her chair-bound mother in law for 12 years, and her mother for an additional 12 months. She also baby-sat her grandchildren, which was greatly appreciated by their parents.

She volunteered at St. Gabriel's Parish in earlier years, as well as Fr. Carr's Place 2 Be in Oshkosh. She belonged to the Catholic Daughter organization at her parish, and was extremely faith-filled. She lived at Highlands at Mahler Park in Neenah, where she had many dear friends. She loved to bake and cook meals for her family and friends. She was very kind hearted and generous with her time and talents. She was happily in love with Gene for 66 glorious years.

Bunny's Celebration of Life will be held at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church at 900 Geiger Street in Neenah. Visitation is Saturday, February 10 from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m., with Father Bob Kollath officiating. The Kessler-Fahrenkrug Funeral Home is assisting the family. The family would like to thank Aubrey and her caring and compassionate nursing staff at Edenbrook Senior Center, and Bristol Hospice of Green Bay. We were blessed to have them caring for Bunny in her time of need.

Mom, you will be tremendously missed, and will be in our hearts and souls forever. We have been extremely blessed to have you in our lives for all these years. Your kindness, generosity, and love will live on forever in the people you have touched.