Bernette Steffenhagen

Bernette Bernice Steffenhagen, age 95, passed away peacefully in the Aspirus Merrill Emergency Room on July 15, 2026, with family by her side.

She was born February 26, 1931, to the late Erna (Waldow) and Bernard Barkow in Athens. She graduated from Athens High School. Bernette was married to Alvin Steffenhagen on September 1, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens.

Bernette retired from Wausau Insurance Company in 1992 from the supervisory position which she held for 42 years. She was a member of the Wausau Insurance Retiree Women’s Club and Wausau Insurance Quarter Century Club. During her retirement she was an election poll worker for the town of Berlin for 19 years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill.

Prior to moving to Pinecrest, she enjoyed going to polka dances, going out to eat, and going on road trips with her husband and friends. Bernette enjoyed embroidering, doing crafts, baking and cooking for her family, putting puzzles together, and doing word search books. Bernette meticulously manicured her lawn and was very proud of her yard and home. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bernette is survived by her daughter, Dawn Teske of Merrill; grandsons: Josh (Casi) Teske of Rib Mountain and Tyler Teske of Merrill; great-granddaughters: Brooklyn and Brianne Teske. She is also survived by her brother, Dale (Rosie) Barkow of Athens and brother-inlaw, Lowell (Marie) Steffenhagen of Merrill, along with many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin; her parents, brother, Marvin Barkow, sister-in-law, Evelyn Barkow and son-in-law, David Teske.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 9 a.m.-ll a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The service will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jonathan Chapa presiding. Burial will immediately follow the service at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Naugart.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pinecrest Nursing Home for their exceptional care that they provided for Bernette for the past year and one-half. A special thank you to Olivia Barker, a CNA at Pinecrest, whom she formed a special bond with. Also, thank you to the paramedics and the staff at Aspirus Merrill Hospital.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.