Rae L. Bednarski, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 11th, 2023, under the compassionate care of Brighton Hospice in Milwaukee, WI. She was born Rae Stevens on March 5th,1929 in Monico, WI and was the only daughter of the late Martin and Edris (Bricco) Stevens. Rae grew up in Monico, Kenosha and Rhinelander, and graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1947. On June 10th, 1950, she married the love of her life, Harry W. Bednarski, in Kenosha, after which they settled down in Rothschild, WI.

Rae was a charter member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Rothschild for over fifty years and volunteered there regularly. Rae also volunteered with Harry every summer for many years at the Marathon County Fair VFW Post No. 388 hamburger stand, slicing onions and flipping burgers. She always said, "Nothing beats a simple hamburger with a pile of fried onions." Rae loved a good mystery thriller, card games (pinochle being a long time favorite), music, dancing, cooking in her kitchen for her family, and was an avid gardener for many years. Rae's favorite place in the world to be was anywhere her family was and loved them fiercely, and they loved her the same.

Survivors include Rae's two daughters, Mary (Jeff) Kudronowicz, and Kathleen Schildhouse; six grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Matthew, Rebecca, Bridget, Caroline, Phillip and Madelyn; one dear younger brother Thomas (Vivian) Stevens, many nieces and nephews, as well as a large extended family.

She was preceded in death by her wonderful husband of almost 61 years, Harry, her parents, one brother, Daniel Stevens, and his wife Betsy, and son-in-law Christopher Kurth. Rae was the last auntie of the Bednarski family.

Rae's wishes were to be cremated, which was made possible by the kindness of Eernisse Funeral Home in Cedarburg, WI. Rae's internment will be at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kronenwetter, WI on June 10th, 2024, on what would have been her and Harry's 74th wedding anniversary. In lieu of flowers, Rae's family asks that you go out for a nice Friday evening fish fry and raise a glass (dry martini with two olives preferred) in her name.