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Bernice Knepprath

March 5, 1933 - February 5, 2026
Visitation
St. Alphonsus Parish
6060 West Loomis Road
Greendale, WI 53129
Saturday 2/21, 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Mass
St. Alphonsus Parish
6060 West Loomis Road
Greendale, WI 53129
Saturday 2/21, 11:00 am
Bernice Ann Knepprath (née Schwabenlender), age 92, passed away on February 5, 2026 after a brief illness. She was born on March 5, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she grew up as the youngest child of Robert and Norma Schwabenlender.
A graduate of Rufus King High School, Bernice married her high school sweetheart, Richard Knepprath, in 1952. Together they shared 64 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Bernice made her home in Greendale, Wisconsin, for more than 50 years, where she was a devoted homemaker and mother and later served her community as a school secretary at Greendale elementary schools until her retirement.
Bernice and Richard spent a good portion of their retirement as snowbirds in Florida and shared a love of travel, especially road trips.
A true people person, Bernice was vibrant, warm, and easy to laugh with. She made new friends easily and cherished the lifelong friendships she maintained. She stayed active into her nineties. After stepping away from tennis and golf in her eighties, she took up senior fitness classes and continued to enjoy staying on the move. Bernice also enjoyed cooking and entertaining, reading, and relaxing with her favorite programs on the Hallmark Channel.
Her Catholic faith was an important and guiding part of her life. Bernice was a devoted member of St. Alphonsus Parish in Greendale for over 50 years.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, beloved spouse, and numerous dear friends and extended family members. She is survived by her loving children, Jean Majeski, Jo Ann Hansen (Michael) and John Knepprath (Paula), her grandchildren, Neil Majeski, Kate Franke (Austin), Claire Majeski, and Sam Knepprath; her great-grandchildren, Aria Majeski and Wallace Franke; and a multitude of friends who were blessed to know her.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Parish, Greendale, Wisconsin. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.
Bernice will be remembered for her warmth, joyful spirit, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.
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Visitation
St. Alphonsus Parish
6060 West Loomis Road
Greendale, WI 53129
Map
Saturday 2/21, 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Mass
St. Alphonsus Parish
6060 West Loomis Road
Greendale, WI 53129
Map
Saturday 2/21, 11:00 am
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Bernice Ann Knepprath (née Schwabenlender), age 92, passed away on February 5, 2026 after a brief illness. She was born on March 5, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she grew up as the youngest child of Robert and Norma Schwabenlender. A graduate of Rufus King High School, Bernice married her high school sweetheart, Richard Knepprath,Continue Reading

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Tree 3 trees were planted in memory of Bernice Knepprath
Anonymous left a message on February 20, 2026:
May your family find comfort in your many special memories With deepest sympathy and love to your family, The Girls
Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Bernice Knepprath by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Love, Tammy, Ricky and Cindy left a message on February 18, 2026:
Our deepest sympathy, a sweet soul has gone ahead of us.
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Bernice Knepprath by Love, Tammy, Ricky and Cindy. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Bernice Knepprath
Linda Kokemueller left a message on February 17, 2026:
Sent with love and remembrance,
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Bernice Knepprath . Plant a Tree
Paul and Bonnie Gessner left a message on February 14, 2026:
Our deepest condolences!
Heartwarming Thoughts Boston Fern was purchased for the family of Bernice Knepprath by Paul and Bonnie Gessner. Send Flowers
Paul Gessner left a message on February 14, 2026:
Bernice was a beautiful soul. The picture in this obituary is perfect. You can see the kindness and joy in her face! Rest in peace Bernice! My deepest condolences to her family!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mary (Kies) Lutzke left a message on February 13, 2026:
I want to express my sincere condolences for the loss of Bernice. I feel so fortunate to have spent some time with her last summer for my sister-in-law Linda Kies's birthday. These condolences come from my sisters also, Judy Kultgen, Audrey Ader, Pat Davis & Vicki Zimmermann.
Your Burn Unit Family left a message on February 13, 2026:
With heartfelt sympathy from your Burn Unit family. We are holding you in our thoughts and honoring your mom's beautiful legacy of warmth and love.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Bernice Knepprath by Your Burn Unit Family. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Bernice Knepprath
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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