Bernice Christensen (Nee Lafratta)

Bernice J. Christensen (nee LaFratta), a lifelong Waukesha resident, died on Friday, June 15, 2012 at River Hills West Healthcare Center at the age of 76. She was born in Waukesha on November 30, 1935 the daughter of Angelo and Violet (nee Migach) LaFratta.   Bernice worked for 29 years at Avalon Square in Waukesha. She was a member of the Waukesha Deaf Organization and the Southeast Wisconsin Deaf Seniors Group. Bernice was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She will be sadly missed by her five children: David (Diane) Christensen, Joseph (Susan) Christensen, Madonna Hoover-Christensen, Paul (Denise) Christensen and Ann (John) Siverling, her eight grandchildren: Stephanie (Dylan) Johnson, Ashley Christensen, Ryan Christensen, Alison Christensen, Jason Christensen, Amanda Siverling, Emily Christensen and Christopher Siverling and one great-grandchild Caleb Johnson. She is further survived by her brother Dennis (Sandy) LaFratta along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Angelo LaFratta and most recently by her mother Violet Tinnes on April 27, 2012.  The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and all of the staff at River Hills West, Seasons Hospice and Heartland Hospice for all of the compassionate care they provided to Bernice. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 25, 2012 from 9:00AM until the 11:00AM funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 822 N. East Avenue, Waukesha. Father Christopher Klusman will preside. Graveside services will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. For further information, please call Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at 262-547-4035 or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com to leave the family an online tribute message.