Bernice Mae Boncel

Bernice Mae (nee Hangren) Boncel, 96, of Milwaukee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. Bernice was born on December 16, 1925, to Antoinette and Raymond Hangren in Highwood, Illinois. She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1943.While working in Ordnance at Fort Sheridan in 1943, she fell in love with Sgt. John "Jack" Boncel, and they were married at the base chapel on February 10, 1944. After he returned from being stationed overseas, they moved to the south side of Milwaukee, had two daughters, and were blessed to be married 45 years. The majority of her work

life was spent as a timekeeper at Milwaukee Valve.

Bernice is survived by her daughters Barbara (Ronald) Merkel and Suzanne (Steven) Heronemus, grandchildren Brian (Melissa) Merkel, Jayson Merkel, Michelle (Erik Shock) Heronemus, John (Sarah) Heronemus, Matthew (Mary) Heronemus, Claire Heronemus, and great-grandchildren Nathan Merkel, Lyra and Bennett Heronemus, and Oliver and Waverly Shock. She is further survived by Ervin Danecki, her partner of more than 30 years. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Edward, Robert, and James, and her husband.

Interment immediately followed a private graveside committal service at Wood National Cemetery, Milwaukee, on Friday, September 2. Bernice will be buried with her husband, Jack, who passed away in 1989.

The family would like to thank the devoted staff at AccentCare Hospice of Oak Creek for their compassionate care. To honor Bernice’s fierce spirit, the family requests that donations be made to the Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org).