Bernice M. Zasmeta

Bernice M. Zasmeta (Warves), of Waukesha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026. She was 85.

Bernice was born on February 10, 1940, to Mildred and William Warves in McGregor, Minnesota. Her early years were marked by simple beginnings, attending kindergarten in Superior, Wisconsin, and later Spencer School, a one-room schoolhouse in Aitkin, Minnesota. She completed grades one through seven there before continuing on to Aitkin High School, ultimately earning her high school certificate from the University of Minnesota in 1965. These humble roots shaped a life grounded in perseverance, gratitude, and quiet strength.

On September 17, 1957, Bernice married the love of her life, Herman Zasmeta. Their early years together were filled with movement and adventure as Herman served on active duty, taking them to Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, and back to Texas in a short span of time. They later returned to Minnesota before settling permanently in Waukesha, Wisconsin, in 1972, a place they would proudly call home for the rest of their lives. Together, Bernice and Herman shared 69 devoted years of marriage and raised three beloved daughters: Kim, Kelly, and Kristin.

Bernice was a woman of strong work ethic and quiet excellence. She worked for Sears for 24 years, first as a commissioned sales associate, spending 20 years in the auto center. In 1989, she was recognized as the top salesperson across 12 states. She later worked four years in lawn and garden before continuing her career with Firestone, where she served another 17 years in the district office. She took pride in her work, not for recognition, but for the satisfaction of doing things well and serving others faithfully.

In retirement, Bernice embraced life’s quieter joys. She and Herman spent 22 winters along the Gulf Coast in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and cherished autumn weeks in Ashland, Wisconsin, on Chequamegon Bay along Lake Superior. Whether near the water, surrounded by family, or enjoying the companionship of her beloved rescue dog, Gussie, Bernice found contentment in simple blessings.

Above all, Bernice’s heart belonged to her family. They were her pride and her greatest joy. She was also deeply grateful for her friendships and her faith, and she was a devoted member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Herman; her daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and Larry Puzach, Kelly and John Howard, and Kristin and Paul Reilly; six grandchildren, Sheila Puzach (Jeremiah Riddle), Rebecca (Jason) Lueck, Cailyn (Steve) Schumacher, Morgan Reilly (Greg Dalton), Ian Howard, and Nathan (Lauren) Howard; and eight great-grandchildren, Paige and Piper Puzach-Acker, Wyatt Lueck, Reilly and Odin Schumacher, Edison and Lincoln Dalton, and Noa Howard.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Warves; her mother, Mildred Davis; her brother, Bill Warves; and Robert and Lonnie Zasmeta.

Bernice will be remembered for her steady love, gentle humility, and the quiet ways she made life better for those around her. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the lives she touched.

A private family service will be held.