Bernadine Gleason's Obituary
Racine - Mrs. Bernadine Gleason (nee: Zastoupil) passed away at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare on Sunday morning, September 16, 2006 at the age of 75 years.
Bernadine was born on May 25, 1931 to John and Ann (nee: Mitzey) Zastoupil in Tomah where she graduated from Tomah High School. She also graduated from the LaCrosse State Teachers College and received a Master's degree from UW-Milwaukee. Bernadine has been a resident of Racine since 1955. In Racine, she was united in marriage to Richard Gleason on May 10, 1980. He preceded her in death on November 3, 1995.
Mrs. Gleason was employed for two years in the Tucson, Arizona School District. She returned to Wisconsin and taught in the Racine Unified School System from September 1, 1955 until her retirement on June 12, 1989. Mrs. Gleason spent several of those years teaching in the Special Education Program. She loved to spend her summers at Lake Gallilee in Mellen where she enjoyed being on the lake watching the many wonderful things that nature provided, reading, and relaxing. Mrs. Gleason was a member of Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.
Bernadine is survived by her sisters, Virginia Vachon of Racine and Jane (Jerry) Ziegler of Belleville; two nephews, Gary Ziegler of Belleville and Jim (Cindy) Ziegler of Denver, Colorado; three step daughters, Pat (Ken) Giese of Negaunee, Michigan, Jean Koral or Racine, and Micky (Terry) Breidinger or Racine; five step grandchildren, DyWayne and David Giese, Jennifer Koral, and Shawn and Jessica Breidinger; and four step great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Red Vachon as well as many other relatives.
Funeral services will be held at St. Sebastian's Catholic Church, 3126 - 95th Street, Sturtevant on Friday, September 22, 2006 at 1 pm with Fr. William J. Dietzler celebrating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Friday at the church from 11 am until service time.
The Gleason family gives a special thanks to the doctors and the nursing staff of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare.
What’s your fondest memory of Bernadine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernadine?
Share a story where Bernadine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernadine you’ll never forget.
How did Bernadine make you smile?