Bernice Joan Verrette

HURLEY, Wis. - Bernice Joan Verrette, 91, of Hurley, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at the Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley.

Bernice was born on March 18, 1935, in Merriweather, Michigan. She was raised by her mother, Trula; her stepfather, Emmanuel Jurmu; and her great-grandparents, Gene and Lillian Windnagle, in Bergland. Bernice spent much of her life caring for her family while also working at Pauline Cleaners, providing housekeeping services for local hotels, and serving at St. Vincent de Paul.

Bernice was a social butterfly who enjoyed being around people and staying active. She loved taking walks and riding her bike, as well as camping, fishing and thrift shopping. Following a stroke 10 years ago, Bernice was limited in the activities she could enjoy, but she continued to find comfort in watching old westerns.

Bernice is survived by her five daughters, Denise (Mike) Hunt of Wisconsin, Renee Ryther of Arizona, Leann (Robert) Rutherford of North Dakota, Carrie Verrette of Ironwood, and Lori (Rick) Edginton of Florida; her sister, Miriam LaRue of Oregon; 10 grandchildren, Jayme, Justin, Jeremy, Amanda, Westley, Morgan, Mallory, Ashley, Ryan and DJ; seven great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Verrette; son-in-law, Robert Ryther; and two brothers, Lawrence "Bud" Petermore and Darrell "Buck" Jurmu.

Visitation for Bernice took place on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m., for which Pastor Steve Estola officiated at McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood.

The family chose the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Bernice's legacy of life. To make an online condolence, visit McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com.