Bernadine Ann Baltus, 98, Marshfield, passed away at Safe Haven Senior Care on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 with family by her side.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 17, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Rev. Dan Thelen will officiate. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at Marshfield. Pallbearers will be grandchildren: Michelle Eckelberry, Paul Baltus Jr., Sara Pelot, Jamie Baltus, Kelly Brett, Molly Wilcox, Danielle Schorer, and Raylee Klein.

Bernie was born on January 13, 1928, to John and Emma (Willman) Gessert, the oldest of eight children.

She attended Corpus Christi Catholic School in Bakerville, WI.

On May 23, 1946, she married Sylvester Baltus at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Bakerville, and their loving 57-year marriage continued until his death in 2004.

Bernie was employed at Weinbrenner Shoe Factory for 38 years. After retirement, she provided after-school care at St. John's Catholic School where she was affectionately known as "Grandma Bernie."

Bernie is lovingly survived by her children: Donna (Dale) Vilbaum, Paul (Alice) Baltus, Linda (Terrence) Schraeder, Jerold (Diana) Baltus, Michael (Patsy) Baltus, Jane (Timothy) Schmitz, Lisa (David) Schnitzler, and daughter-in law Sheri (Douglas) Baltus. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren. She is further survived by sisters Adeline Meyer, Rita Hannan, and Julie (Lawrence) Esselman and sister-in-law Alvina Swetz, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bernie treasured her family and enjoyed all family get-togethers and celebrations, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas where many laughs and hugs were shared and loving memories made. Dear to her were the special memories of summer weekends spent with family at the Schnitzler cabin.

Bernie was an avid snowmobiler and she and her husband enjoyed many winters snowmobiling with family and friends. They also were country music fans and attended many country music festivals. Bernie was always ready for a road trip whether it was a short trip around Marshfield or Up North or anywhere for that matter! Also, many summer vacations were spent travelling to the western states, including favorite places of Yellowstone, Black Hills, and Grand Canyon. Another favorite trip was to Hawaii where she and her husband toured several islands.

Bernie will be welcomed into Heaven by her husband Sylvester, infant daughter Diane, son Doug, son-in-law Herb Whipple, parents John and Emma Gessert, brothers Lawrence and Al Gessert and sisters Delores Hutter and Adelia Reigel. She is further deceased by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Safe Haven Senior Care and Moments Hospice for their loving care of Mom.