Antoinette M. Bertolas

October 10, 1940 – July 14, 2023

• Combined celebration of life for Antoinette Bertolas & Tony Jeske- Monday July 31st at Estabrook Park Beer Garden in Shorewood WI from 5 pm until 8pm.

With great sadness we share the news of the passing of our mother, Antoinette Bertolas, at the age of 82. Antoinette was born in Bessemer MI to Mary (née Melanson) and Rudolph Bertolas. She was raised in Milwaukee WI, along with her three siblings, Bob, Rick, and Mary. She attended St. Rita’s Elementary School and was in the first graduating class of St. Joan Antida’s High School. While in high school and working at the Columbia Hospital cafeteria she met the love of her life, Tony Jeske. Soon after graduation she followed Tony out to California where he was stationed in the Navy. They soon were wed and remained at China Lake Naval Air Station in the Mojave Desert while Tony completed his time with the service. Upon returning to Wisconsin, they had three children, Sharon, Steve, and Joanne, raising them in Germantown WI. Antoinette attended UW-West Bend during the 70s, working on her Baccalaureate degree. She was a long-time employee of the US Postal Service, working at the Milwaukee, Rockfield, and Thiensville locations. Antoinette retired at age 55 and with Tony moved to San Diego to enjoy the warm weather, family, and friends. They were long time members of the Silver Gate Yacht club, spending time together sailing. Antoinette enjoyed reading, movies, and visiting with all her friends.  Antoinette was an amateur genealogist and researched our family history with passion.

Antoinette is preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Jeske, parents Rudy & Mary Bertolas, brother Robert Bertolas, and granddaughter Darla Neff.

She is survived by her children, Sharon Jeske Borie (Marc Borie), Stephen Bertolas Jeske (Amy Doke), Joanne Jeske LaJoice (Pete LaJoice), grandchildren Seth LaJoice, Tony LaJoice, and Davey Florence (Corey Florence), brother Richard Bertolas (Rita), and sister Mary Suminski (Ron), nieces, nephews, friends, over 150 cousins, and her beloved cats, Susie & Kiki.

A combined celebration of life for Antoinette & Tony will be held on Monday July 31st at Estabrook Park Beer Garden in Shorewood WI from 5 pm until 8pm.