Bernice Schlegel, 94, of Redfield was taken to her heavenly home on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, from Golden Living Center in Redfield. Her funeral will be Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at 2 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ. The Rev. Tim Fugman will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield. Visitation with Bernice's family present to accept condolences will be Monday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a pray service at 7 p.m., at Thelen Funeral Home.
Bernice Elizabeth was born in Highmore, S.D., on April 6, 1919, to Lars and Bertha (Westhauser) Runestad. She attended Dewey Township School, south of Highmore. As a young girl, she worked at National Youth Administration, and St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre. On July 13, 1947, she married the love of her life, Robert Dallas Schlegel.
Bernice dedicated her life to her husband and children, being a stay-at-home mother and a farm wife. She also worked at various places including a daycare for several children in Pierre. She worked at the Fort Pierre sale barn as a waitress for many years.
She was lifelong member of the Helping Hand Club in Harrold and a member of United Congregational UCC Church, Redfield. She loved to brag about her grandchildren, drink coffee with friends and read the newspapers. She also enjoyed (Find a Word) puzzles, memorizing and writing the state capitals, and memorizing the county seat numbers. Her hobbies include watching "I Love Lucy" and "Home Alone," and listening to country music. She will always be remembered for her sense of humor, which has been passed down through the generations.
Bernice is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Robert, of 66 years, Redfield; those blessed to call her mother are Janie (Mike) Gregg of Cloquet, Minn., Mavis (Don) Ludemann of Redfield, MaryKay (Terry) Jandel of Redfield, Sharon (Terry) Shantz of Redfield, Gale (Nora) Schlegel of Highmore and Debbie Peters of Killdeer, ND. She is also survived by her brother, Les Runestad, of Venice Fla., and a sister, Lou Rediger of Miller; 26 grandchildren, 66 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Patricia Ann Hayes; son and daughter-in-law, Gary (Mildred) Schlegel; son-in-law, Lyn Peters; grandson, J.R. Schlegel; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Hannah Runestad, Violet (Carl) Kutz, and Selma Parsons; and her brothers: Lyle Runestad, Arnold Runestad, and Glen Runestad.
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