Berneice was born on February 22, 1922 in Spring Grove to George and Beulah (Soiney) Larson. She attended country school and graduated from Mabel High School in 1940.
On August 2l, 1943, she married Burnell Garness. They farmed east of Mabel and raised 7 children. She was a loving caregiver all her life. She enjoyed reading, dancing, and especially loved violin music. She was known for her delicious homemade bread.
She was a member of Mabel First Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Lydia Circle and enjoyed helping with communion.
Berneice passed away Thursday, August 25, 2011 at the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home in Mabel at the age of 89.
She is survived by 6 children: Barbara Vang (Donald) of Pine Island; Donald Garness (Joan); Ione Newgard (Rodney); Dale Garness (Jennifer) all of Mabel; Karen Connolly (James) of Rochester; Dean Garness of Mabel; sisters, Norma Spitzmiller and Helen Beaman (John) of Rockford, IL, Marie Betsinger of Rockland, WI; brothers, Leland Larson (Marcella) of Green Valley AZ and Richard Larson (Marcia) of Mabel; sisters-in-law, Helen Larson of Eitzen, Carole Skaaren of Maple Park, IL, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Warren and Ormah Rasmussen of Canton.
Also surviving are 12 grandchildren: David Vang (Jill); Dena Hoel (Tom); Rhonda Schmelzer (Art); Rachelle Henry; Travis Garness (Jodie); Denise Weber (Steven); Kari Hanken (Dennis); Amy Lee (Jeremy); Matthew Garness (Brooke); Cassey Landsom; Tracy Lee (Kelly) and Justin Connolly (Erin). Also surviving are 23 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death are her husband, son Ronald, her parents and her brothers, Harold and Leslie Larson.
Visitation will be at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel on Sunday, August 28 from 4:00-7:00. The funeral will be held at Mabel First Lutheran Church at 11:00 on Monday, August 29. |
