Carmilla Bernsteen

Carmilla Bernsteen (nee Curtin), age 97, of St. Germain passed away March 15th, 2025, at Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff.

She was born September 6, 1927, in Green Bay, WI to James & Helen (Morey) Curtin. She spent her childhood in Shawano but moved to Rhinelander at the age of 19. Carmilla graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1948, and married Lloyd Bernsteen in 1950.

The couple raised their children in Rhinelander. Carmilla worked as a waitress for many restaurants in the Northwoods, including Molgaard’s Indian Lodge and Angry Dave’s in St. Germain, where she retired from at the age of 80. Carmilla also lived in Chicago for a time and worked at the American Indian Business Association and operated a clothing store called the Fig Leaf Boutique.

Carmilla loved to dance, go to the casino, spend time with family and friends, and look at old pictures remembering the good times. She will be remembered for her beautiful quilts, her story telling, strength, and her “ruby red” lips.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Elaine, Joyce, Armilla, Helen, Zendora, Fred, and Dick; her children, Mark L. Bernsteen, Rebecca Bernsteen, Debra Bernsteen Nickolette, Scott Bernsteen, and Melissa Fox; and son-in-law, Donald (Charlie) Fox. She is survived by her son, Mark C. Bernsteen of St. Germain; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will begin at Noon on Saturday, May 17th at the 420 Bar & Grill (formerly Legends) at 420 Hwy 70, St. Germain, WI.

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com          PAID OBITUARY