Bernadine (Siolka) Torznik, 88, Pulaski, WI passed away peacefully, May 11, 2026. She was born February 5,1938 in Pulaski to Frank and Victoria (Pochron) Siolka. Bernadine lived the senior years of her life in the Pulaski area. She was divorced in 1997.

Bernadine was a former nun of the Third Order of St. Francis of Stevens Point, WI. At the age of twenty she entered the convent and was dispensed from her vows in 1968. As a religious Sister she taught math and science to second, third, fifth and sixth graders at St. Peter’s in Stevens Point and at Blessed Sacrament in Milwaukee. As a secular teacher she taught fourth grade at St. Aloysious in West Allis and at Suamico Elementary. She taught social studies and language arts to grades sixth through eighth at Sacred Heart School and taught third graders at Notre Dame Elementary in De Pere. Her last position was as principal at St. Mary’s in Luxemburg.

Bernadine also was a substitute teacher in the following school districts: Pulaski, Denmark, Ashwaubenon and Oconto Falls. She was a substitute teacher in the following Catholic schools: St. Paul in Wrightstown, St. Jude and St. Joseph in Green Bay, St. John the Baptist in Howard, St. Matthew in Allouez, and All Saints School in Denmark. Bernadine was also a tutor at Martin Luther King School and at NWTC.

Bernadine researched the family tree and had listed 430 names in her genealogy. She also wrote the family history and the story of her family in a booklet entitled, “A Field of Memories of a Polish Farm Family in Maple Grove”. Her research material is at the Pulaski Library, the University of Wisconsin Green Bay Research Center and at the Green Bay Public Library. She was a member of the Polish Heritage Society and was the person who instigated the first newsletter. She worked with a small group of people to do Polish research.

Bernadine had a great love for animals. Her most beloved cat, Sniffer, was most dear to her. Flower gardening, bird feeding, making cards on her computer, traveling to distant lands, and exercising in the Pulaski swimming pool were some of her joys.

She is survived by her brother, Frank (Barbara) Siolka, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bernadine was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Victoria (Pochron) Siolka; sisters, JoAnn (Adolph) Baranczyk; Virginia (Bill) VanHoogen; Lorraine (Joe) Przewoznik; brothers, Stanley (Pearl) Solki; Alfred (RuthAnn) Siolka; Leonard (Gwen) Siolka; Chester Siolka; Norbert (Mary Ann) Siolka.

Friends and family will gather at Assumption B.V.M., 124 East Pulaski St., from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 21; The Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pulaski Library will be accepted.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Country Villa Assisted Living – Pulaski staff and Moments Hospice for the care and compassion given to Bernadine.