Bernadette Schinabeck

Bernadette Louise (Bernie) Portmann Way Schinabeck, age 93, died at Aurora Sheboygan Medical Center, Thursday September 8, 2016.

Born October 9 1922 in Hilbert, WI to the late Palma (Neuber) and William Portman. She graduated from Chilton High School in 1941. Bernie was a member of the band and chorus. After graduation she began work at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center, where she meet Thomas Way, who she went on to marry in October 1942.

After they got married they moved to Green Bay, WI and they settled in Sheboygan in 1944. She was a homemaker for the 1st years of her marriage to Tom and became a foster parent for many years. She then went on to work at Plastics Engineering and retired from there in 1971.

Bernie enjoyed music she would always keep the beat. She loved to dance and listen to polka music.

She was a longtime member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, belonged to St Ann's Society and Catholic Charities. She loved to play Canasta and enjoyed the friendship of all of these beautiful women. Bernie also belonged to an art group where they would make Afghans or paintings these friendships would last for decades. She also belonged to the VFW in Sheboygan.

Bernie will be especially remembered for her German potato salad, quick wit and her sweetness to other people.

Survivors include Michael (Mary) Way of Edmonds, WA, John (Jackie) Way of Montclair, VA, and Mary (Ray) Kuhn of Grand Junction, CO; two grandchildren, Jesse and James Way (Stephanie) two great grandchildren Jonah and Margot Way. Many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was preceded in death by Tom Way (husband) and Donald (Red) Schinabeck (husband) two brothers Luke and Arnold Portmann, Ruth Edler Portmann (sister in law) Jane Portmann (niece), Jim Kondreck (nephew). Pat Way (brother in law) Ed Way (brother in law) Margaret Way (sister in law) Kathryn Way Kondreck (sister in law) Vince Kondreck (brother in law) Margaret Way Stocks (sister in law) Howard Stocks (brother in law) and Bill Way (brother in law)


The family would like to thank The Terrace Place of Sheboygan. Bernie was just getting back into singing again and tapping her foot to the music to keep the beat. She was enjoying having conversations with all her new friends. Morningside Rehab Center Thank-You and the staff for all of your care and support. Aurora Sheboygan Medical Center Thank-You for the support and professionalism it was greatly appreciated. The Spiritual Community she always enjoyed all of your visits and wisdom.

A special thank you to Sister Lucille for all of the love and support you gave Bernie and her family during the last months of her life.
Thank you, Mary Lange, you have been a consistent contributor to Bernie's happiness, love and welfare.
Thanks to Monica Brunnbauer for helping Bernie get through some of her lonely days.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Bernadette will be celebrated on Monday October 10, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, (824 Superior Ave, Sheboygan) with the Rev. Gideon Buya as celebrant. Friends may call on Monday, at the church, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. A luncheon will be served immediately following the Mass. Please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook.

Memorial contributions are welcome and will be given to the St Ann's Society or can be mailed directly St Ann's Society 807 Superior Avenue Sheboygan, WI 53081.