Obituary of Bernice M. (Wangler) Lacko

Bernice M. (Wangler) Lacko Died Jan. 28, 2016 Bernice M. Lacko, 93, of West Branch passed away Jan. 28, 2016, at the Villa at West Branch, after a lingering illness. Bernie was born in West Branch on Aug. 30, 1922, to Charles and Pearl Wangler. She married Joseph S. Lacko on Feb. 14, 1941. She attended and graduated from West Branch Elementary and High School. Bernie was a telephone operator and a bank teller at State Savings Bank; she later became auditor and officer at People's National Bank, at a time when women did not get credit for their abilities; it was an honor she took very seriously. She retired from People's National. She enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time with friends. She was a very social, organized person. She was a master packer when getting things together for camping trips with family. Bernie loved her family more than her own needs. She was not a selfish person but was so forgiving and supportive throughout her life in all ways. She was predeceased by husband, Joseph S. Lacko, on July 20, 2009; brother, Dean Wangler; sister, Virginia Hanes; and grandson, Shayne Lacko. She is survived by children, Larry J. (Bonnie) Lacko, Jeanette F. (Jerry) Schmitt, Jim L. (Kathy) Lacko and Dale G. Lacko; grandchildren, Cydney, Hannah, Josh, Erick (Mary Jo) Gillham, Mindy (Dave) Griwatsch, Chandra M. (Robert) Cochran, Carrie A. (John) Hull, Lisa Kovalchik, Nate (Neena) Kovalchik, Dave Kovalchik, Heather Knapp, Tina Orr (Chris) Hoffman and Scott Lacko; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Ayden, Sierriah, Patton and Bailee, Blake, Brecken, Bronsen and Boden, Caitlin, Mackenzie, Drew and Laidon, Caitlin and Emilee, Logan, Uriah and Emilee, and Isaac. Service will be Feb. 8, 2016, from 7:30-9 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation will be Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. until funeral Mass service at 11 a.m. with a dinner following. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Mid Michigan. Memorial donations may be made to the family's wishes. Thank you to the Villa and staff for all the love and care given to Bernice above and beyond needed. It is the struggles of life that help us grow. Live without pretending, love without depending, listen without defending, speak without offending. I am not alone: Jesus Christ is with me. Sympathy store items must be sent directly to the family home.