Bernadine Achenreiner (nee Schulteis) "Burnette", age 94, of Richfield, passed away on April 2, 2015 at Serenity Villa in Slinger. She was born on May 20, 1920 in Richfield to Albert and Clara (nee Hennes) Schulteis. She met the love of her life John Achenreiner and they married on Sept. 28 1940 at St. Mary's Catholic Church (Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) of Richfield where Bernadine was a member for over 80 years.

Burnette was an excellent hostess, cook and baker. She was known for being the matriarch of the family and kept the family together throughout the years. She raised sheep for over 60 years with her husband and was the shepherd watching over her flock. Bernadine was passionate about her garden and loved riding her lawn mower. The grandchildren and great grands were the love of her life. They referred to her as Grandma Dokey. Burnette enjoyed traveling with her husband John, especially visiting the relatives in Austria.

Bernadine is survived by her two children Diane (Allen) Spaeth and Karen (Gene) Reiter, both of Richfield; two grandchildren Eric (Sherry) Reiter and John (Hope) Reiter; four great-grandchildren Alyna, Cade, Khyla, and Cole Reiter; siblings Margaret Held, Eleanor Mergener, Clara Mae Bayer and Marilyn (Theodore) Merten; sisters-in-law Alice Schulteis and Leila Schulteis. Further survived by nieces, nephews, Godchildren and other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her parents; husband John; parents-in-law Joseph and Sophia Achenreiner; grandchildren Angela and Brent Reiter; brothers (infant) Peter, Theodore (Adela), Albert Jr., Ralph; brothers-in-law Richard Held, Thomas Mergener, Gilbert Bayer; nephew Randall Mergener; grandnephew Sean Held.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church (200 East Washington Street, Slinger, WI 53086) on Friday, April 10 at 6:30 PM with Father Richard J. Stoffel presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 2:30 PM until the time of the Mass at 6:30PM. A private family interment will take place at St Mary's Cemetery in Richfield. Memorials to the St. Peter Catholic Church - Building Fund are appreciated or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Serenity Villa of Slinger and Horizon Hospice for all their care and compassion they provided Bernadine. Also, thank you to Father Rick and Pastor Joe (from Serenity Villa) and all those who visited Bernadine during her journey.