Bernice Hayostek

Bernice Hayostek, née Sommers, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 100, at Vitas Ruth Hospice in West Allis, Wisconsin. Born on October 3, 1925, in Milwaukee, she lived a full and active life, known for her engaging spirit and love for family and friends.

Bernice married Joseph "Joe" Hayostek on August 29, 1942, in a beautiful ceremony at Holy Rosary Church in Milwaukee. Their love story began when they met at an ice-skating rink on Bradford Beach. Together, they celebrated their union not just through the years but also through the renewal of their vows on their 50th Anniversary. Their heartfelt renewal wedding vows were taken at St. Francis Borgia Catholic North Church, a testament to their enduring bond.

Joe served in the army for 3.5 years during WWII. While deployed, Bernice and her mother worked in a shoe factory in Milwaukee supplying boots to the troops.

After Joe's service in World War II, they built their first home in Wauwatosa, before relocating to Appleton with the Wisconsin Telephone Company. Joe’s job with the telephone company ultimately changed again and they moved back to Cedarburg, where they built their forever home, living there for over 50 years.

Bernice was known for her athleticism and zest for life. She loved walking, tennis, cross-country skiing, golfing, and bowling, and enjoyed fishing with family and friends in northern Wisconsin. She also loved to dance the polka with her beloved husband. They lite up the dance floor whenever the opportunity arose. Her enthusiasm for life extended to her kitchen, where she delighted in cooking exceptional meals and desserts.

A devoted member of the St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Cedarburg. Bernice cherished her faith dearly, often attending Mass or listening to it on the radio. She also had a profound love for her family and friends getting together with them often.

Bernice is survived by her sons, Jim (daughter-in-law Donna) Hayostek of Naperville, IL, Wayne Hayostek of Kewaskum, WI, and her daughter, Sharon Hayostek of Mosinee, WI. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Nicole (Jeffrey) Stauber of Bartlett, IL, Damon (Agnieszka) Fisch of Naperville, IL, Laura Arteaga of Menifee, CA, Sylvia (Frank) Gatzke of Kewaskum, WI, and Thomas (Karen) Hayostek of Campbellsport, WI. Bernice is further remembered by her great-grandchildren, Nicole Beder, Nadine Witte, Taylen, Lilah, Reid, Andrew, and Jeremiah Arteaga, Amilia and Zofia Fisch, Maurice and Justin Becker, along with her great-great-grandchildren, Mason, Paityn, and Parker Beder

She joins in eternal rest with her beloved husband, Joe; her parents, Gustav Sommers and Mary (nee Klemencic); siblings Lawrence and Freddie; as well as her daughters-in-law Wally and Judy, sister-in-law, Caroline (John) Kaufman, and brother-in-law, Tom (Dorothy, sister-in-law) Haynes.

Bernice Hayostek's life was marked by love, dedication, and a spirit of joy that will remain in the hearts of those she left behind.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held for Bernice on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church (1375 Covered Bridge Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012).

Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 AM till 10:45 AM.

Committal Service will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Mequon, on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials (in loving memory of Bernice Hayostek) can be sent to St. Judes Children’s Hospital (memorials@stjude.org or 800-873-6983).