Bernadine "Grandma Bernie" Strong

Bernadine F. “Grandma Bernie” Strong, age 92 formerly of the Town of Greenbush, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center in Plymouth.

Bernadine was born on June 29, 1933, in Cascade, daughter of the late Bernard and Frances (Hilderbrand) Piper. She was a 1951 graduate of St. Mary’s Springs High School and a graduate of St. Agnes School of Nursing. On August 20, 1955, Bernadine married Floyd Strong at St. Fridolin Catholic Church in Glenbeulah. The couple resided in Greenbush for 46 years and following Floyd’s passing on January 31, 2013, Bernadine moved to Plymouth. Bernadine was a registered nurse at Rocky Knoll for many years, retiring in 1995. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, St. Fridolin Christian Mothers, the women’s auxiliary of the Greenbush American Legion Post #261 and a former member of the Green/Glen Lions Club.

Over the years, Bernadine enjoyed family time fishing and golfing up at the cottage in Door County. She also enjoyed playing “Kings in the Corner” which she regularly won. Bernie enjoyed reading, camping when the kids were young and traveling with her children and friends, especially to Arizona to see her sister Mary.

Mom had a devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. She was a woman of deep faith, with a heart for prayer and spent hours daily in her prayer room. Above all mom loved being with her family, whether it was a sporting event, a school event, or a dance recital, she was their biggest fan. We were all special in her eyes and we adored her.

Survivors include her seven children: Kate (Al) Vitale, Sheboygan, Patty (Tom) Mauer, Gibbsville, Mary (Jim) Eick, Plymouth, Mike Strong, Chilton, Dick (Sunday) Strong, Elkhart Lake, Suzy (Patrick) Gossage, Green Bay, Kristine Daehnert, Sheboygan; 13 grandchildren: Justin (Anita) Kohlhagen, Jake (Nycol) Kohlhagen, Steven (Amanda) Mauer, Patrick Mauer, Lee (Christy) Eick, Joe (Jamie) Eick, Brian (Ashley) Eick, Caleb Strong, Florence Strong, Cody (Karisa) Strong, Spencer (Annie) Strong, Alex Gilbert, Brooke Gilbert; 16 great-grandchildren: Arianna, Aleena, Marchael, Reggie, Parker, Lincoln, Sawyer, Oliver, Cooper, Axl, Kenny, Isabella, Grant, Cullen, Wren, Bowen, Bennett; one brother: Tom Piper(special friend Joann); one sister-in-law: Nancy Piper; one brother-in-law: Jim Popelka; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents: Bernard and Frances Piper; her husband: Floyd; her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Alex and Della Strong; one brother: Terrence Piper; one sister: Mary Piper-Nelson; one brother-in-law: Walter (Loretta) Strong; two sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Jackie (John) Nickolai and Judy Popelka.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 94 Lincoln Street, Elkhart Lake. The Rev. Subi Thomas will Celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with cremation to follow and burial of her cremated remains at St. Thomas Aquinas South Cemetery in Greenbush. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 Noon.

Bernadine’s family would like to thank the staff of Sharon Richardson Hospice and the 2 West staff of Rocky Knoll for their compassionate care shown to mom and our family.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Wittkopp Funeral Home of Plymouth, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.