Bernice (Slaby) Woestman
Bernice (Slaby) Woestman, 75, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, at home, after a courageous battle against cancer. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family.
Bernice was born September 22, 1949, and raised in Independence, the beloved daughter of Edmund and Constance Slaby. She lived a life with love and resilience, and devotion to her faith. Fifty years ago, Bernice married Michael Woestman, and together they built a life rooted in hard work and deep family values. In the early years of their marriage, they lived in Trempealeau where Bernice balanced farming and raising their five children. With determination and care, she ensured that all her children had the opportunity to attend college, opening new doors for her family.
Sixteen years ago, Bernice and Michael relocated to Avondale, AZ, where she embraced a new chapter filled with sunshine, peaceful walks around the Wigwam golf course, and daily visits to the Southwest Valley YMCA. Throughout her life, Bernice loved to travel and had the opportunity to explore Germany, Paris, Austria, Switzerland, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Thailand — always with a spirit of adventure and wonder.
Bernice is survived by husband, Michael, and was the proud mother of Michelle Knutson (husband David, children Emma, Owen, Mason); Julie Yoon (husband Joshua, children Iris, Asher, Ethan); Jackie Ackerman (husband Brian), Mark Woestman (wife Jenna, children Charlotte, Lucy, Olivia); and Matthew Woestman and family; as well as her siblings: Barbara Sylla (Greg), Mary Thomas (Gerald), Elizabeth Klopotek (Kenneth), Theresa Ruff (Larry), Catherine Diebold (Kelly), Joseph Slaby (Cindy) and John Slaby.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Edmund and Constance Slaby.
Bernice will be remembered for her boundless energy, deep and abiding love for her family and her remarkable strength. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, education and perseverance that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
She will be dearly missed and forever loved.
A Visitation was held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Mater Misericordiae Catholic Church, 1537 W. Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ. This was followed by a Rosary from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., at the same location. A Funeral Mass commenced at 9:00 a.m., at Mater Misericordiae Catholic Church.
The graveside service took place Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 10:45 a.m., at Holy Cross Cemetery, 9925 W. Thomas Road, Avondale, AZ.
An additional Mass to celebrate Bernice’s life will be held for family and friends in her hometown of Arcadia. This gathering is not a funeral or burial, but an opportunity for local loved ones to honor her memory. The Mass will take place Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Family Church, 223 Maple St., Arcadia WI 54612.
