Bernice (Perlaczynski) Ruswick was born August 10, 1926, the youngest of the four children of Valentine Perlaczynski and Bertha (nee Kitzke) Perlaczynski. Although, her father died from illness less than two years later, she had no shortage of relatives. She and her family occupied the Polish flat of a house built and occupied by her grandfather and family and bookended by houses built by great uncles and occupied by their families, with even more relatives living nearby. Her childhood playmates were often her cousins, and she was always under the watchful eye of at least one aunt, if not two or three. Maybe because of this, the importance of family became one of the dominant themes of her life.

Her early opportunities were constrained by the limited financial condition of her family. She never owned a bike and never learned how to swim, but she didn't let that stop her from enjoying what her circumstances did offer. She found joy in the simplest things. Her world expanded somewhat when she won a scholarship to Pius XI High School. The daily commute from her Mitchell Street home was grueling, but she stuck it out and was one of the eighteen graduates in the Class of 1944. One copy of her school photo graced the piano of her cousin Gene Kitzke where it was noticed by his good friend, Frank Ruszkiewicz (later Ruswick). Bernice and Frank dated only twice before he was shipped overseas to fight the Nazis, but the romance resumed after his discharge in 1946, and they were married in 1948.

Throughout her life, Bernice served in many capacities: store clerk, lab technician, and bookkeeper to name a few, but her main occupation, and the one she enjoyed the most, was wife and mother. Frank and Bernice raised four children, first in Milwaukee then moving to Brookfield in 1966. No matter where she was, Bernice enjoyed the company of people. She made friends easily, and cherished them for a lifetime. She loved to tell stories, but the stories she told of herself were most often to laugh at her few miscues rather than to crow of her many accomplishments.

Bernice was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank; her son-in-law, Bob Budzisz; her siblings and spouses Florence (Jerry) Jarosz, Clarence (Carol) and Esther (Bud) Krueger; her sister-in-law and her husband, Rosemarie and Don Broskowski; and special friends Bob and Joan Frost. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Nancy Budzisz, Frank (Diane), Sue (Greg) Derfus and Dick (Susan). She is also remembered dearly by her grandchildren and partners: Jenny (Andy) Sroka, Beth (Jeff ) Tarras, Jan (Tony) Bartz, Mandy (Russ) Toms, Jeff (Kat Ramirez), Chris (Steph), Ben (Jess), Zach, Kuin Derfus, Tori Derfus, Lisa Derfus, Claire (Nick) Leverett, Tess, and Stephen. She is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and almost countless cousins. The pride and love that Bernice felt for her family members is only exceeded by the pride and love each of them felt for her.

Visitation Friday, April 12, 2024 from 10am - 12 Noon at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3100 W. Parnell Ave. Milwaukee. Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. Interment to follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery.

Bernice's family would like to extend a special thanks to the staffs of The Polonaise at Wilson Commons and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Doctors Without Borders, World Relief, or the charity of your choice.

PRASSER-KLECZKA

SOUTH SUBURBAN CHAPEL 414-282-6080