Bernice “Bo” Purmal

Bernice "Bo" Purmal, age 84, of Rhinelander, died on February 22, 2024 at Rhinelander Aspirus Hospital. She was born on May 18,1939, in Rhinelander, the daughter of Ernest and Bernice (Boeynik) Purmal. She attended schools in Rhinelander, graduating from Rhinelander High School in 1957.

During her high school years, she was employed by Cirilli's Grocery Store and as a lifeguard where her affinity for water and the outdoors blossomed. In the early 1960s she moved to Virginia where she was employed by the Department of the Navy for over 20 years. She returned to Rhinelander in the early 1990s to help take care of her mom. During this time, she also drove school bus for Bowen's Bus Service for over 20 years.

Bo was a longtime member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rhinelander and while in Virginia she also taught Sunday School. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and painting by numbers. She was a devoted family member and friend. She shared a special bond with her parents and her siblings and was always ready to offer support to those she loved. Her legacy is one of resilience, kindness and strength. She will be deeply missed by her family and her many friends.

Bo is survived by her sister Mary Rollag, her brothers Gerald Purmal and Ernest Purmal, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Natalie and her brother Rowland.

Memorial services for Bo will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church with Reverend Karl Schultz officiating. You may leave your private condolences for the Purmal family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Purmal family.