Bernadine “Bernie” Marie Kawlewski, 81, of Junction City WI, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 22, 2025. Bernie was born February 3, 1944 in Stevens Point, WI. She was one of two daughters of the late John and Dorothy (Williams) Pionek. 

She graduated from Maria Catholic high school on June 3, 1962. After she graduated, Bernie worked as an ICU Technician at Saint Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point for 42 years until her retirement in 2006. Bernie married the love of her life, Michael “Butch” Walter Kawlewski on June 7, 1967 at Saint Peter’s Church in Stevens Point. They settled in Junction City, and raised three children, Michael, John and Michelle. Together they shared 58 years of marriage. Bernie enjoyed gardening, flowering, bird watching, keeping track of NFL scores, doing puzzles, and taking care of her animals. Bernie especially enjoyed cheering on her children, and later many grandchildren at sporting events. Specifically, she would attend every baseball and softball game possible so she could encourage them to “sock a far one.” After she retired she babysat her youngest grandchildren Ashley and Emily. They fondly remember going on walks to the Junction City gas station to buy candy, scratch offs and grandma's favorite, Diet Dr. Pepper. Bernie was an involved member of Saint Bartholomew's church in Mill Creek. Her biggest joy in life was spending precious time with her husband, children, grandchildren and extended family.

 Bernie is survived by her loving husband, Michael “Butch” Kawlewski, children; Michael (Jean) Kawlewski, John (Sue) Kawlewski & Michelle (Scott Zywicki) Beranek. Bernie is also survived by her seven beloved grandchildren; Coty (Morgan Reinwand) Beranek, Dustin (Tori) Beranek, Derek Kawlewski, Riley (Cory) Mras, Jordan (Tyler) Hall, Ashley (Dalton Dulek) Kawlewski, and Emily Kawlewski. Bernie is further survived by four great grandchildren; Jaxon, Weston, Haizley, and Brexley. 

Bernie was preceded in death by her parents John and Dorothy (Williams) Pionek, her sister Cecilia Stuczynski, and her beloved son-in-law Donald “Don” (Michelle) Beranek.

 A Mass of Christian Burial for Bernadine will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 29, 2025 at St. Bartholomew Parish-2493 County Road M, Stevens Point. Fr. Biju Kunjukutty MSFS to officiate. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held on Monday morning at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of service.

Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the Kawlewski Family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com