BERNICE A. TAGGE

Bernice A. Tagge, 87, of N5718 County TT, Sheboygan Falls, went to her eternal home while her loving family was at her side Monday, March 1, 2010, at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan.

Bernice was born Dec. 7, 1922 in Plymouth, daughter of the late Edward and Ella (Sass) Levsen. She was a 1941 graduate of Sheboygan Falls High School.

On Jan. 5, 1943, she married John William Tagge in Sheboygan Falls. John preceded her in death Aug. 20, 1977. She married Robert Rackow on Dec. 7, 1990 in Sheboygan Falls. Robert preceded her in death Sept. 2, 1991.

Bernice was a self-employed poultry farmer for 70 years and will always be fondly known as “the egg lady.”

Bernice was a lifelong member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls, and was active in the Mary-Martha Society and the choir.

She was a member of the Sheboygan County Farm Bureau, the Sheboygan County Historical Society, and was a member/volunteer of the Sheboygan Falls Senior Center. Bernice was active with the Madison All Stars 4-H Club, HCE (Homemakers Club) past county president, and secretary for the Senior Bowling League.

Bernice enjoyed continuing her education at LTC, family get-togethers at Chreaster and Thanksgiving, tatting, quilting, making jam and cutout cookies, and taking trips with her daughters. Bernice encouraged all four of her daughters to become college educated. She also played violin and drums while her husband, John, played the concertina for many local events.

Bernice’s achievements include a Wisconsin Century Farm Award in 1978, winning a tractor-pulling contest at the Sheboygan County Fair in the 1950s, and starting to raise 5,000 chickens at the age of 17.

Survivors include four daughters, Eileen (Horst Uttech) Payne of Plover, Kathleen (John) Passini of Glen Ellyn, Ill., Cheryl (David) Kohl of Cleveland, and Bonnie (Jeff) Sohn of Sheboygan Falls; 11 grandchildren, Adam (Kris) Payne, Mark (friend, Krysta) Payne, Erin (Ron) Ruppenthal, Jason (Wendee) Passini, Gina (Robbie Hall) Passini, Sarah (Doug) Goble, Mariann Kohl, Karen (Charles) Hattula, Kevin Kohl, Jared Sohn, and Josh (Michelle) Sohn; one sister, Wilma Goldmann of Alaska; three stepdaughters, Carolyn (Lyn) Bienert of Hales Corners, Sherry Ramsay of Naperville, and Sandy (Jeff) Brickner of Sheboygan; seven step grandchildren; six step great-grandchildren; and also cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her first and second husbands; and a brother-in-law, Ray Goldmann.

Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, March 3, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls with the Rev. Elizabeth Jaeger officiating. Burial took place at St. Lucas Cemetery in the town of Sheboygan Falls.

A memorial fund has been established in Bernice’s name for St. Luke Lutheran Church, the Sheboygan Falls Senior Center, and Sheboygan County Historical Society. Online condolences and additional information can be found at www.wenigfuneral home.com.

The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is serving the Tagge family. Bernice’s family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of St. Nicholas Hospice, Sunny Ridge, Helping Hands, St. Luke Hospital, Dr. Gentine, Dr. Pawlak and Dr. Kapur.