Vivian L. Molden, age 80, of Big Bend, MN, died Saturday March 14, at her residence. Memorial Services will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at Big Bend Lutheran Church. Private committal will take place in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services that day.

Wing-Bain Funeral Home of Montevideo, in charge of arrangements for Vivian Molden.

Deloris Strom, 93, of Barrett, MN, died on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, surrounded by her family, at the Meadow Lane Nursing Home in Benson.
 
Deloris Ione was born on July 1, 1921, on the family farm in Sanford Township of Elbow Lake, the daughter of Swen and Lillie (Nelson) Swenson. She was baptized and confirmed at Ness Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake and attended the Round Lake School House. After school, Deloris worked various jobs including helping to raise children for friends and neighbors, helping her mother, Lillie, and waitressing at Olson’s Café in Elbow Lake.
 
On November 4, 1941, she married Elner Joseph Gerard Strom in Fergus Falls. Two children were born to this union, Doreen and Eldon. Deloris was a faithful caretaker to her husband and children. The family traveled all over the United States with Elner as he worked road construction in many different states. Eventually the family settled in Barrett where they spent many years. Deloris was also an avid house painter which she did with her sister, sister-in-law and neighbor friend. She moved to Benson the last six years to be closer to her daughter, Doreen. Deloris was a member of the Barrett Auxillary, Barrett Legion and very active in Freedom Lutheran Church currently Peace, in Barrett.
 
Her interests included long car rides, shopping, fishing, and going out to eat. She was said to be famous for her baking and cooking and loved to spend time with her family and friends, especially her beloved grandchildren. Deloris was also an animal lover in which she cherished her Persian cats and dogs.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Swen and Lillie; husband, Elner; siblings, Wallace Swenson, Theola McNabb, Thomas Swenson, Lowell Swenson and Gleo (Alvina) Swenson.
She is survived by her children, Doreen (Mike) Touhey of Benson, MN and Eldon (Tina) Strom of Alexandria; five grandchildren, Melissa (Eric) Ziegler, Joseph Strom, Molly Strom, Chelsey (Brent) Hanson and Tyler Strom; four great grandchildren, Madison, McKenna, Samual and Jack; a sister-in-law, LouAnn Swenson of Barrett; three nephews, Ronald Klugg, Steven Swenson and Lance Swenson; one niece, Nadine Johnson, along with numerous great nieces and nephews.
 
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 20 at the Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Hoffman with Pastor Matthew Rose officiating. Burial is at Wenersborg Cemetery in Kensington.

Harlan Long, 84, of Glenwood, Minnesota died Monday, March 9, 2015 surrounded by his family in Glenwood.  
A memorial service was held  11 a.m. Saturday, March 14 at Glenwood Lutheran Church.  Visitation was Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home in Glenwood continued one hour prior to the service at the church  Saturday.  
Harlan “Huey” Wayne Long the son of Forrest “Fay” and Emma (Elness) Long was born September 2, 1930 on his grandparents farm in Christiania Township, Jackson County, Minnesota.  He grew up in Windom, Minnesota and graduated from Windom High School.  
January 11, 1952 Harlan entered the United States Marines.  He served his country and was honorably discharged  January 10, 1954.  After his discharge, Harlan returned to Windom to help care for his mother who had cancer.
July 9, 1954, Harlan was united in marriage to Sharlene (Muller) at the Presbyterian Church in Windom.  They made their home in Windom and Harlan was employed by the Ben Franklin Store in Windom for 6 ½ years.  In 1961, they moved to Austin, Minnesota and Harlan worked as the assistant manager of Ben Franklin there.  After two years, Harlan and his family moved to Glenwood and lived there from 1963 - 1977 where he managed the Ben Franklin.  They moved to Benson in 1977, where Harlan owned/operated the Ben Franklin.  Harlan and Sharlene continued to live in Benson until they retired in 1997 and moved to Maple Lake, north of Glenwood.  They lived on Maple Lake until 2005, when they returned to Glenwood where they have made their home since.
Harlan was an active member of Glenwood Lutheran Church, the Glenwood American Legion, the Glenwood Lions, Glenwood Chamber of Commerce and Glenwood Development Corp.   When he was younger, he was active in the Jaycees and the sports boosters.  Harlan enjoyed woodworking and restoring classic cars.  He especially loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren and following his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.  He will be remembered as an enthusiastic sports fan, a terrific organizer and a great husband, father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife Sharlene Long of Glenwood; four sons: Mitch (Margit) of Boise, ID, Brian (Diane) of Glenwood, Marty (Jennifer) of Hugo, and Kirby (Denise) of Rochester; grandchildren, Nathan, Sara, Lindsey, Tiffany, Bjorn, Tanner, Emma, Tyler, Zachary and Carter; sisters, Donna Appel of Aitkin  and Beverly Alley of Mankato; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Harlan was preceded in death by his parents Fay and Emma Long; infant sister, Ruth, infant brother, Verlon, sister, Phyllis Appel; brothers-in-law, Bob Alley, Bernard Appel and Arnie Appel; and sister-in-law, Bernice Waechter.     
To send condolences to the family, visit our website at www.hoplinfuneralhome.com and click on obituaries.
 

Dorothy D. Lansverk, 84, of rural Murdock, died Sunday evening, March 8, 2015 at the Belgrade Nursing Home in Belgrade.
Funeral services were 1 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Hope Lutheran Church in Sunburg.  Interment was at the Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery near Sunburg.  Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Peterson Brothers Sunburg Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Dorothy Delores Lansverk was born October 23, 1930 in Starbuck, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry and Josephina (Hendrickson) Olson.  She grew up on the family farm on Lake Johanna near Brooten and attended country school.  Following her schooling, she began working on the farm.  
October 17, 1953, she married Clarence I. Lansverk in Benson.  They made their home in Coon Rapids and Dorothy worked at Pilgrim Cleaners.
In 1970, they purchased Clarence’s family farm and moved to the Sunburg area.  Dorothy enjoyed being back on the farm and loved being outdoors and taking care of the cattle, horses and the apple orchard.  She also enjoyed canning produce and raising exotic chickens and selling their organic eggs.  Dorothy and Clarence also collected antiques and enjoyed showing their collections.  Dorothy also later bought and sold antiques in shops in Clearwater and Litchfield.
Dorothy was a member of the Sunburg Community Bible Church and attended the Spiritual Life Bible College in Brooklyn Center.  She played guitar and banjo and often played and sang with her daughters and granddaughters in church.  She also sang and played at several area nursing homes for many years.  She enjoyed painting and traveling, especially her trip to Israel.  She was adventurous and always having fun.  Her door was always open to visitors and she was always willing to help anyone in need.
She is survived by three children, Constance (and Rev. Galen) Carlson of St. Louis Park, Pamela (and Shane) Keiser of Spicer, and Donnie Lansverk of Sunburg; five grandchildren, Charles Hesse, AnJenette Hesse, Spencer Thompson, Savoy Thompson, and Shaylyn Keiser; a great-granddaughter, Havanna Rose Hesse; two brothers, Robert (and Lois) Olson and John Olson, both of Minneapolis; three sisters, Julia Ruud of Belgrade, Josie Westrud of Lakeville, and Inga Enstad of Anoka; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence in 1997; three brothers, Elmer Olson, Myron Olson, and Paul Olson; and two sisters, Rose Vrolson and Regina Freese.

Gerald “Jerry” Rodger Giese, 76, of Appleton, Minnesota died  March 4, 2015, at his home.  
Funeral services were Wednesday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Shible Township with Pastor Donald Klatt officiating.  Burial followed in the church cemetery.  
Gerald was born September 7, 1938 in Moyer Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the son of Carl and Stella (Mulvihill) Giese.  Jerry was a member of the First Baptist Church in Appleton and was baptized  July 17, 1955 by Pastor Ed Koph.  He was raised in the Appleton area and attended country school, District #43 through grade six and then attended Appleton High School where he graduated in 1957.
Jerry enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard until his honorable discharge in 1964.  
September 26, 1959, Jerry was united in marriage to Junyce Carstens, by Rev. Lyle Russert, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Shible Township.  This union was blessed with four children: John, Julie, Jodi, and Jason.  Jerry and Junyce were married for nearly 45 years, before Junyce’s death in 2008.  
He loved to farm and was involved in agriculture for all of his working years.  He and Junyce farmed north of Appleton for over 25 years, many of those years included raising beef cattle, milking dairy cattle, and raising laying hens.  After farming, Jerry worked at the Big Stone Cheese Factory and for Dale Weis Spraying.  In later years, he worked for Appleton Aero Spray and Jim Nelson Farms.  
Jerry enjoyed cooking, canning, gardening, hunting and fishing.  He especially enjoyed spending time with family.  Jerry loved his family and was always eager to help his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in any way that he could.  He was known to be a bit of a jokester…the more he liked you the more he teased you!  Jerry was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Shible Township, where he served as elder, usher and janitor.  He was also a long serving member of the Shible Township Board.  
Jerry is survived by his children: John (Jackie) Giese of Benson, Julie (Kevin) Jergenson of Benson, Jason (Heather) Giese of Appleton; son-in-law Mike (Laurie) Munsterman of Appleton; 12 grandchildren: Kayla (Jason) Kramer, Tyler Giese, Nicole Giese, Cassie (Wrin) Maxwell, CJ Mahler, Ashley (Brian) Klein, Hope Munsterman, Kelsey Gunter, Michaela Munsterman, Maddie Giese, Will Giese, Claire Giese ; six great-grandchildren: Kelsey, Shelby, and Melany Kramer, Owyn and Jaylie Maxwell, Carson Hinde, and baby Klein due July 31, 2015; siblings: Charles (Gloria) Giese of Appleton, Jackie Maas of Odessa, Ardis (Marlow) Schwartz of Appleton, Vivian Huntington of Sartell; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Dale) Kannegiesser of Hancock; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  
He was preceded in death by his wife, Junyce in 2008; daughter, Jodi Munsterman in 1994; parents, Carl and Stella Giese; infant brother, Richard Giese; sister, Eleanor Boettcher; brothers-in-law: Don Boettcher, Jerroll Huntington, and Alvin Maas.
Arrangements were with Zniewski Funeral Home –Vaala Chapel in Appleton.  www.zniewskifuneralhome.com
 

Shirley Anne Heinecke, 77, died Monday, March 9, 2015, in Denver, Colorado.  
Shirley was born  April 30, 1937, in Wisner, Nebraska, to Henry and Hulda (Baer) Heinecke as the fifth of six children.
In 1950, the Heinecke family moved to a farm in Cashel Township, Swift County, Minnesota.  
In 1954, Shirley graduated from Benson High School, Benson, Minnesota.  During the 1960’s and 1970’s in Benson, Shirley was a devoted mother of three to Daniel, Jerome and Jacqulynn Larson.   She loved watching her children play sports and participate in many other activities.  
She worked in Benson banking for many years until she moved in 1980 to the Denver, Colorado area.  She continued working in banking until her retirement in 2004.  
She enjoyed living in the West within sight of and a short drive into the Rocky Mountains.  Shirley loved visiting with the families of her brothers, sisters and her 21 nieces and nephews.  She was an avid reader, miniature owl collector and dog lover.  
Shirley is survived by her children; son and daughter-in-law: Jerry (Lorene) Larson of Oahu, HI and their son: Zachary Larson of Keesler AFB, MS; son and daughter-in-law:  Dan (Laura) Larson of Elizabeth, CO and their daughters: Brynn Larson of Phoenix, AZ, and Brooke Larson of Madrid, Spain; daughter:  Jacquie Larson of Glenwood; sister:  Magdalene Doescher of Sioux Falls, SD; and her brother and sister-in-law:  Henry (Joyce) Heinecke, Jr. of Tracy, CA; brother-in-law: James Scadden of Parker, CO; two sisters-in-law:  Jane (Dave) Heinecke of Superior, WI, and Barb (Virgil) Heinecke of Independence, MO.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved parents, sister: Carolyn (James) Scadden; brothers: Dave Heinecke and Virgil Heinecke; and brother-in-law:  Richard Doescher.  
The delights of her life were laughing with her family and seeing her three grandchildren grow up.  
A memorial will be held at a later date.  The family invites you to leave condolences and memories at http://memorialwithlove.webs.com
 

Hildagard “Toots” Wood, 87, formerly of Murdock, died   Thursday evening, March 19, 2015  at the Swift County Benson Hospital in Benson, Minnesota.  
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m.  Saturday, March 28,  with visitation one hour prior, at the Evangelical Free Church in Benson.  Burial will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.
Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.  www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

Richard “Ric” McGinty, 69, died at his home in Benson on Wednesday, March 25.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday March 30, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. Interment will be in St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery in De Graff.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 4:30 pm, on Sunday March 29, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.  Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Phyllis J. Miller, age 89, of Benson, MN, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Bethesda Pleasantview Care Center, Willmar. She married Lloyd “Bing” Miller on February 11, 1946.  He preceded in death along with her brother, Virgil Hesse. Survived by children, Steven (Kathy) Miller, Marilyn Miller and Susan (Tyrone) Westlie; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Maynard Hesse and several nieces and nephews. Memorial service 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 18 at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 211 13^th Street N., Benson. Memorials preferred to Rice Hospice, Willmar, MN.  Arrangements are with the Cremation Society of MN, Mpls 612-825-2435.

 Donald Mitteness, age 84, of Benson, died Saturday, April 4, 2015, at the Bethesda Pleasant View in Willmar, Minnesota.
 Arrangements are pending with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, MN.

Michael F. Gay, 52, of Murdock, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.  Funeral services (a small service for family and close friends)
will be Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. in the Chapel at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.

Audrey Ann Arneson, age 72, formally of Benson, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015 at North Ridge Care Center, New Hope with her children around her.
Audrey was born on September 10, 1942, in Delano, the daughter of Edwin Kahlhamer and Martha (Albright) Kahlhamer.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith.  She grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton High School in 1960.
Audrey was united in marriage to Terry Arneson. Together they shared in 51 years of marriage.
Audrey worked in the office of Tylers Manufacturing - Case New Holland in Benson.  She worked there nearly 30 years before retiring in 1999.
Audrey is survived by three children, Philip Arneson, Lisa (John) O’Neil, Jon Arneson; five grandchildren, Maggie, Grace, and Riley O’Neil, Max and Mason Arneson and several nephews.
Audrey was preceded in death by her husband and sister Lucille Hering.
Arrangements are pending with Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.  The funeral was Thursday, April 9 at St. Francis Catholic Parish in Benson.

LuVerne John Bangsund, age 80, of Benson, died Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at home.  Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 11, 2015, at the First Baptist Church in Benson.  Visitation will be held Friday, April 10, 2015, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson and for one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in the Benson City Cemetery.
 
LuVerne John Bangsund was born on March 30, 1935 to Orvin and Ruth Bangsund.  He lived in Cashel Township most of his life and graduated from Benson High School.  On July 9, 1955 he was joined in marriage to Ramona Rasmussen at the First Baptist Church in Benson.  To this union was born four sons.  Together they shared 59 years of marriage.
 
LuVerne worked for Haugen & Johnson Implement for two years and in 1958 they started farming full time.  He and Ramona worked side by side in every aspect of farming.
 
LuVerne was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Benson.  He served as a deacon, trustee, usher, and on many committees.  He was a member of the School Board of District # 2210, served on the ASC committee for nine years, was a member of the Cashel Town Board, and also was a board member of the Heritage Hill Antique Power Machinery Association of Montevideo, Minnesota.
 
Among the things he enjoyed were farming, antique tractors, hunting, fishing, and especially trout fishing in the Black Hills.  He also loved Southern Gospel music.  His love and commitment to his wife and children will be cherished forever.  LuVerne was called from this life on Tuesday, April 7, 2015.  He attained the age of 80 years and 7 days.
 
LuVerne is survived by his wife, Ramona; sons: Scott (Joyce) of Starbuck, John (Julie) of Champlin, and Rick (Lisa) of Starbuck; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
 
He was preceded in death by his son, James LuVerne; his parents; sister, Eunice; and brothers, Ray and Wallace.

Carol P. Hanson, 88, formerly of Benson, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015 at Walker Methodist Health Center in Minneapolis where she had resided for the past five years.
A memorial service in celebration of Carol’s life will be held  Thursday, April 16 at 2 p.m. at the Walker Methodist Chapel at 3737 Bryant Avenue South, Mpls, Minnesota, 55409.  
Visitation will begin at 1:30 with a reception to follow.  
Private interment.
Carol was born September 1, 1926 in Clinton, Minnesota, the daughter of Harry and Rosalie (Wallmann) Thompson.  She graduated from Ortonville High School in 1944 and worked at the dental practice of Dr. Alford Hanson.  She was united in marriage to Dr. Hanson’s brother, Stanley,  April 16, 1949 and they were blessed with two daughters.  They moved to Benson in 1956.
Carol cooked at the Benson hospital for many years and finished her career as Food Service Administrator at Meadow Lane Health Center.  She was a member of the First Baptist church in Benson and was strong in her faith.
Carol died of pulmonary fibrosis and lived her life in full right to the last moment. Carol loved people and pansies,  people most of all.  
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Stanley; two brothers, Warren and Gerald and sister Marie; and son-in-law George McCormick.  
She is survived by daughters Andrea McCormick and Debra (Jim) Richards; step-granddaughter Emily Richards and step-grandsons Chase and Drew Klaphake; sister Rhoda Berens and many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Eldon L. Grosse, 92, of Benson, died on Monday, April 13, 2015, at the Glen Oaks Nursing Home in New London. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m., at the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the Zniewski Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Burial will be on Friday, April 17, at Rosehill Cemetery in Scotland, South Dakota.
www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

Evelyn Bach Parker,  97, of Edina (formerly of Richfield)  passed away April 12, 2015.
A Memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m. Fri., April 17 at Assumption Catholic Church, 305 E. 77th St., Richfield. Visitation was one hour prior to the service.
Private interment will be in Danvers, Minnesota.
Evelyn was preceded in death by husbands, Walter Bach and George Parker; sons, Greg and Joe; granddaughter, Julie; brothers, Bill Granger and Dave Vollmer.
She is survived by children, Darrell Bach, Yvonne (Alan) Sothman and Marcel (Mary) Bach; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; sister, Vel Nelson; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Evelyn was loved and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

Marlys Jane Koosmann, age 89, of Appleton, formerly of Benson, died Sunday, April 19^th, at Appleton Area Health Services – Nursing Home.  Funeral services were Saturday, April 25^th at 2:00PM, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, Pastor Michelle Rowell officiated.  Burial followed at the Appleton City Cemetery.

Marlys Jane Koosmann was born November 28, 1925 at Hegbert Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the daughter of Ole and Mary (Oyen) Ronning.  She was baptized and confirmed at the Long Lake Lutheran Church.  Marlys attended Country School in Hegbert Township, graduating from the 8^th grade.

Marlys was married to Arthur Koosmann and this union was blessed with two sons: Jerome and Arden.  Marlys and Arthur farmed in Hegbert Township.  She was a loving wife and mother; as well as a hard-working housewife and farm-hand.  Marlys enjoyed gardening, especially tending to her flowers and plants.  She also liked to play cards and visit with relatives and friends.  Family was very important to her; she found great pleasure in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons: Jerome (Janice) Koosmann of Brooklyn Park and Arden (Patricia) Koosmann of Blaine; 8 grandchildren: Eric Koosmann (Noelani Castillo), Michelle (John) Guiliano, Jeremy Koosmann, Jason (Christina) Koosmann, Jonathan Koosmann, Jill (Andrew) Keehr, Janelle (John) Nash, Jolynn Koosmann; 10 great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur on December 26, 1982; parents, Ole and Mary Ronning; brothers: Alvin, Hjelmer, Orwald, and Clifford Ronning; sisters: Opal Stock, Inga Moen, and Edna Bakken.

Arrangements with Zniewski Funeral Home-Vaala Chapel in Appleton.

Linda Elaine Buckingham, 80, formerly of Benson, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 1 at 11 a.m. at the Saint Francis Catholic Church in Benson. There will be a visitation prior to the service.  Linda was born on April 26, 1934 in Burbank SD, to Lee and Inez Cusick.  Linda was preceded in death by her husband Tom Buckingham and others. She is survived by children Linda Glee, Gwen, Greg, and Chris Buckingham, and five grandchildren.

Pearl I. Schliep, age 93, of Benson, died Monday, April 27, 2015, at Golden Living Center – Meadow Lane Care Center.  Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, May 2, 2015, at the St. Malachy Catholic Church in Clontarf.  Visitation will be held Friday, May 1, 2015, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at St. Francis Catholic Church, with a Rosary at 4:30 PM, in Benson.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Clontarf.  Interment will be in the St. Francis Catholic Church Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.

Bernice "Bea" Clara Prekker Kennedy was born on January 15, 1925 in Clara City, the daughter of Edward Prekker and Margaret Christians Prekker.  She died on February 4, 2015 in Bedford, Virginia.
Bernice grew up on a farm outside Murdock.  As a teenager, she left Murdock with girlfriends to work in the Cities for a few years.   Later, Bernice returned to Murdock and worked at Walsh's Cafe.
Upon returning to Murdock, met her husband to-be Earl "Jiggs" Kennedy.  Earl was serving in the military and when he was sent to Ft. Eustis, Virginia, she joined him there and they were married in a chapel on the army base.  Shortly after marrying, Earl was sent to Korea and the now pregnant Bernice returned to Murdock to live with her mother-in-law, Rose Kennedy and her brother-in-law, Eugene Kennedy.  While living in Murdock, Bernice gave birth to her first daughter, Eileen.
When Earl returned from Korea, he was again stationed at Ft. Eustis and the family returned to Newport News.  Bernice and Earl had three more daughters, Mary, Robin and Michele. They remained a military family until Earl retired in 1964.  Once the last of her four girls were in school, she began working in local restaurants.   Bernice, or "Bea", to her many loyal customers, was a well known fixture at several pizza parlors in Newport News for more than 30 years.   She retired in the early 2000's and moved from Newport News to Forest, Virginia to be near two of her daughters.
Bernice is survived by her four children, Eileen (Donald James), Mary (John Madaras), Robin (Justin Dudley), Michele (Lee Davis), six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Francis Earl Kennedy in 1976; her sister Kate Erickson, and her brothers Mike, Edward, Louis, Clarence and Melvin.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock.  A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am and burial will follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock.  Zniewski Funeral home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.