Vernadine B. Breier

Vernadine B. Breier (Mathison), age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 28, 2024 surrounded by family at the care of Ascension St. Elizabeth hospital in Appleton WI. She was born in Tigerton, WI on November 10, 1936 to the late Harvey and Erma (Griepentrog) Mathison. Growing up she was affectionately known as "Pudge" by her closest family and friends. On October 26, 1957 she was joined in marriage to the late Glen Breier. They made their home near Manawa, WI; raising four daughters. They were lifelong members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School in Manawa. Vernadine served in many volunteer roles during her years at St. Paul's, including coaching cheerleading, singing in the church choir, making greeting cards for the church, and right up to her last moments she taught art class to her beloved students. The hugs from her students were always the highlight of her day. Polka music was a passion for both Vernadine and Glen, and together they loved organizing polka services for St. Paul's.

Vernadine went to school after graduating Tigerton High School to become a cosmetologist. As a self-employed businesswoman working from two salons, she served people from the Manawa area throughout her adult life. Vernadine served many years as a member of the Manawa Bow Hunters Club. She was a groupie of The Rodgers Jolly Dutchmen polka band of which her husband was a saxophone player. She enjoyed being creative and artistic by painting pictures, ostrich eggs, and hand saws. She is remembered for her dedication and love to her customers and friends, willing to help others in any way she could.

Vernadine is survived by four daughters: Pamela (Kurt) Harrington, Julie (Don) Buschke, Jill (Jim) Jaeger, and Kris (Gaetan) Philippon; 8 grandchildren: Ashley (Max) Hazelmeyer, Eric Harrington, Alex Buschke, Taylor (Sean) Robinson, Jared (Rachel) Jaeger, Jacob Jaeger, Gabrielle Philippon, and Gavin Philippon. She is further survived by her brother Lloyd (Susie) Mathison, sister-in-law Donna (Lee) Oppor, and sister-in-law Sandra Breier.

Vernadine was preceded in death by her parents Harvey and Erma, her husband Glen, sister Donnamae Rosenow, and brother-in-law Raymond Breier. She was further preceded in death by two infant sons.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Manawa, WI. Pastor Nathan Reichle will be officiating. A gathering of family and friends for Vernadine will take place from 9:30 am until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Little Creek Cemetery.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the doctors and nurses at Ascension - St. Elizabeth Hospital & Compassus Hospice, as well as Pastor Nathan Reichle for giving Vernadine compassionate loving care and spiritual strength.