Bernice E. (Yana) Butkiewicz, age 79, of Oshkosh, formerly of Omro, passed away peacefully at her home on April 18th, 2005. Bernice was born to Joseph and Rose (Hronek) Yana on May 23, 1925 in Manitowoc County. She married George Butkiewicz on February 28, 1942 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, he preceded her in death in 1987. She married Anthony Sosnoski in 1988, who also proceeded her in death.

Bernice was very active in the Omro and Oshkosh communities. Her pride and joy was the Sugar'n Spice Dance Group at the Oshkosh Senior Center where she met Jesse Fillmore, her favorite dance partner. Bernice was active in Homemakers, she worked and volunteered at the YMCA teaching swimming and fitness, and she taught many dance classes, too numerous to mention. She served on the Winnebago County Committee on Aging. Mom was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Omro. She was a member and camped with the Ding-A-Lings for 40 years. Bernice was loved by many for the energy and enthusiasm she brought to the activities she pursued. She enjoyed such a variety of activities in her life. Scuba diving, camping, cross country skiing, canoeing, fishing, hunting, hiking, teaching, studying the Czech language, and dancing were some of the activities she enjoyed. Most of all she was a Mom, Grandma, wife, companion and friend. We were blessed to be able to share her for a while and now God has taken her home to be with him.

Bernice is survived by her soul mate Jesse Fillmore of Oshkosh, her sons, Brian (Carol) of Omro, Bruce, (Pat) of Oshkosh; her grandsons, Mark (Chris), great grandchildren Nick, Brandee, and Rachel, grandson Matthew, (Sue), great grandchildren Marissa, Bradley, and Madison; granddaughter, Mickie; granddaughter Maureen, granddaughter Kelly (John) McHugh, great granddaughter Jennifer, Alyssa, John; grandson Lenny (Trudy) Eckstein; her step-daughters; Judy (Chet) Miller, Diane Sosnoski, Marlene (Robert) Logemann, James (Adrienne) Fillmore, Jeff (Denise) Fillmore and Janelle Fillmore. She is further survived by her brother and sisters Ruben (Pat) Yana, Evelyn Vandertie, Alice Yana, numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, Anthony, sister Elizabeth "Betty" Eis; brothers Milton and Melvin Yana.

Visitation will be held at the Omro Funeral Home on Friday, April 22, 2005 from 4 to 8 p.m., and at First Presbyterian Church, 955 N. Webster Ave., Omro, on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to the time of service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Edward Slusser officiating. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established.

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love.
You can only guess how much
You gave me to me happiness.
I thank you for the love each of you have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve awhile for me if you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust,

It's only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away for life goes on;
So if you need me, call and I will come,
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart you'll hear,
All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say:
"Welcome Home!"