Denise M. Bernal, age 69 a longtime Portage resident  passed away, Wednesday, July 30, 2025.  She was born on November 11, 1955 in Gary, Indiana.  She grew up in Gary and graduated from Wirt High School.  She had worked at Bethlehem Steel  and Wal-Mart.  Denise loved spending time with her grandsons.

She is survived by her longtime companion, Kelly Donald of Portage, IN;  daughter, Lindsay (Scott Putman) Bernal of Portage, IN; three brothers, Dennis (Carol) Slawnikowski of Jensen Beach, FL; Donald (Kathleen) Slawnikowski of Jensen Beach, FL; Danny (Penny) Slawnikowski of Valparaiso, IN; two grandsons, Kameron Bernal, and Bobby Costino III, special friend, Patricia Gibbs, nieces, Kristy Wolfe, Kelly Slawnikowski, Nicole Piekarski, Bethany Slawnikowski, and one nephew, Brent Slawnikowski.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leo Slawnikowski, her mother Margaret (Louis) Mavron, and one nephew, Brandon Slawnikowski

Cremation services provided by Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, Portage. (219) 762-3013.