BERNICE O’BRIEN

BERNICE O’BRIEN

     Bernice O’Brien, 79, passed away surrounded by family Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at Meadowbrook in Black River Falls, WI.

     Bernice was born Aug. 20, 1945, to George and Pearline (Mathews) Madland in Black River Falls. She attended school up to ninth grade. She married Wesley Stoddard Jr. in 1964, and five children came from this union. They later divorced. She was united in marriage to Archie O’Brien Jr. Feb. 18, 1985. She raised a family and a grandson and could always be counted on as the family babysitter. She worked for a while at a restaurant in Merrillan. She was the head problem-solver in the family.

     She enjoyed crocheting and listening to country music. She liked going fishing, taking walks outside and picnicking. She loved singing karaoke and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved a good game of bingo and playing canasta. Everyone called her “Grandma” or “Bunny.”

     She is preceded in death by her husband, Archie; her parents, George Sr. and Pearline; children Lori and James; grandson Ryan; great-grandson Porter; grandparents Frank and Viola Horvich; brother George Madland Jr.; brother-in-law Ed Johnson; sister Ester Gray; niece and nephew Mark and Debra Johnson; and ex-husband, Wesley Stoddard.

     Bernice is survived by her children, Ken Stoddard, Randy (Roselyn) Stoddard, Lani Wetzel and Charles (Tara) O’Brien; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Cora “Lavon” Johnson and Starline Weyand; along with several nieces and nephews.

     The funeral service for Bernice was held at 12 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home in Hixton. A visitation was held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at a later date in Hatfield Cemetery. 

     Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.