Bernita Ann "Bernie" Utic, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in the early hours of Wednesday, August 23, 2023. The daughter of Elmer and Lenore (Poblitz) Kopp was born on November 12, 1931.

In her younger years Bernie enjoyed spending time at her grandparents farm in Ripon, Wisconsin, as well as spending time with her many Oshkosh girlfriends. She graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1949.

On September 24, 1953, Bernie married Bernard "Ben" Utic in Oshkosh. Together, they raised their seven children and were proud to watch and participate in their many activities, clubs, and sports. Bernie loved to cook her family recipes, especially for every birthday celebration. She was also a wonderful baker and enjoyed decorating Christmas cookies with their kids and eventually grandchildren. Bernie and Ben also hand-crafted unique wood-carvings that became treasured gifts for so many. Bernie and Ben were happy to move from Green Bay to De Pere, where their large yard provided Bernie a chance to showcase her gardening skills. A well-maintained yard full of blooming flowers brought her great joy.

Bernie was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Green Bay, Old St. Joe's after they moved to De Pere, and finally St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Bernie volunteered countless hours at St. Patrick's cleaning and decorating the church, singing with the choir, and counting offerings in the office.

She enjoyed playing the piano and organ for her children and grandchildren, visiting all of her children's homes for holidays & celebrations, taking annual family trips to Wisconsin lake houses for over twenty years (Mercer, Petenwell, and Wind Lakes), going swimming and taking adventures with her friends, and being able to finally meet & hold her great-grandson.

She is survived by her children, William (Dianne) Utic, James (Jamie) Utic, Sue (Dennis) Gauthier, Don (Jaylene) Utic, Peter (Mary) Utic, David Utic, Joe (Amy) Utic; grandchildren, Garrett Gauthier, Braden (Claire) Utic, Samantha (Eric Peraza) Gauthier, Steven Utic, Andrew (Megan) Utic, Adam (Lily) Utic, Mackenzie Utic, Emily (Michael Skow) Utic, Cheyenne Utic, Tristen (Alexandra) Utic, Jack Davis, and Brielle Davis; great-grandchildren, Tate Utic.

Bernie was preceded in death by her husband, Ben; parents, Elmer and Lenore, sister Beverly Beleau.

Family and friends may visit at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. A memorial service will take place at noon. Inurnment will follow at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum.

To extend online condolences to the Utic family, please visit www.ryanfh.com.

The Utic family would like to thank the staff at Caretta Assisted Living in Bellevue for their loving care and the residents for making her last few months fun and enjoyable; Bernie made many friends during her stay. We would also like to thank the nurses from Promedica Hospice (especially Traci) and the other staff members for managing her pain and making Mom comfortable.