Bernice Helen Tlusty

1930-2025

Bernice Helen Tlusty, 95, of Medford, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Country Gardens Assisted Living in Medford with family by her side. Bernice was born March 20, 1930, at home on the family farm in the town of Medford to Fred and Elizabeth (Hirt) Fleischmann. She attended Mathey School 1st-4th grade and Pleasant Heights School 5th-8th grade. She graduated from Medford High School in 1947. She worked briefly at Lanser’s Grocery Store, then Medford Co-op Creamery office until her mother’s untimely death when she was needed at home to care for her younger siblings.

On Jan. 21, 1950, Bernice married Leon V. Tlusty. They resided in Medford where they made their home and raised their nine children. Once the children were in school, Bernice went to work at Tombstone Pizza, retiring from there after 22 years.

Bernice enjoyed quilting, flower gardening, canning, crocheting, baking, and Saturday morning “Coffee Talk”. Her children remember her freshly baked treats every day after school. Leon would say, “Not a bad meal has ever come out of this kitchen.” Bernice and Leon also enjoyed trips to the casino with family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Linda (Tom) Thielke, of Westboro, Dave (Jeanne) Tlusty, of Antigo, Don (Beth) Tlusty, of Arbor Vitae, Tom (Becky) Tlusty, of Medford, Carol Tlusty (Bruce Salzgeber), of Medford, Chuck (Kristi) Tlusty, of Medford, Kaye (Mike) Lewis, of Blaine, Minn., Karla Oleen, of Sauk Rapids, Minn.; two brothers-in-law, Jerald Koch, of Medford, Gene Kalmon, of Grand Junction, Colo.; grandchildren, Anne DeFoe (Peter Olson), Erinn Tubbs, Trigg (Linda) Thielke, Trent (Terri) Thielke, Emily (Andrew) Kennell, Michael Tlusty, Kyle (Sierra) Tlusty, Katie Tlusty, Ben (Briea) Tlusty, Judd Tlusty, Craig Tlusty, Carissa (Travis) Sobeck, Cory (Julie) Tlusty, Statton Lemke (Tabitha Jochimsen), Tyler (Nelly) Lemke, Rachel (Eric) Vach, Brady and Jack Tlusty, Claire, Ethan and Paige Lewis; 26 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leon on Sept. 23, 2012; son, Patrick on June 27, 1986; son-in-law, Craig Oleen; granddaughter-in-law, Jessica Tlusty; sisters, Margaret in infancy, Mary Lou Sauer, Frances “Snooks” Becher, Ethel Kalmon, Janet Jochimsen, Elizabeth “Betsy” Koch; brothers, Alfred, Walter “Bud”, and Edward Fleischmann.

A memorial mass was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Private family interment will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in the spring.

Visitation was from 9 a.m. until the time of mass at 11 a.m., Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to either Holy Rosary School, Medford, or Hope Hospice, Medford.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Paid Obituary 178648