Bernice Connell

Bernice was born on April 18, 1932, in Yankton, South Dakota the daughter of Charles and Hazel Huber. She attended Yankton High School and graduated on May 27, 1949. During her teenage years Bernice was an active in 4-H, a member of the Busy Bees, and at the age of 19 was chosen as state delegate to attend the national 4-H Club Congress in Chicago for her food preservation record covering five years of 4-H Club work. She was the first from Yankton to receive this honor. Bernice attended Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota and graduated in 1950 with her Teaching Certificate. After receiving her teaching certificate she taught for four years at Whittier District #31 and was secretary for the Yankton County Education Association. Bernice met her husband Glenn Connell through her brother Duane while they were in the Korean War through letters. Bernice and Glenn were married on May 31, 1954 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton, S.D. After their marriage the couple farmed in Alexandria, S.D. and in 1957 moved to Grey Eagle, MN where they continued farming. During these years Bernice spent most of her time baking, helping with chores, raising her six children. In 1966, their son, Daniel died of histocytosis. After her children were older Bernice attended St. Cloud State College to update her teaching license and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree on July 17, 1970. Upon receiving her degree Bernice was hired by the Grey Eagle School District and taught 1st grade for twenty-eight years. During this time she was also President of the Grey Eagle Education Assoc. In 1998, Bernice moved to Alexandria to be closer to family. She enjoyed many hobbies such as crocheting, reading, quilting, word finds, and gardening. Bernice died on Monday, November 16, 2009, after suffering from Alzheimer?s for the past few years. She is survived by five children: Karen (Rick) Gomer of Lakeland, FL, Roxanne (Duane) Stensvad of Silver Lake, MN, Darrell (Jean) of Alexandria, MN, Joanne (Gene) Haran of Oviedo, FL, Gerald (Jane) of Montevideo, MN; eleven grandchildren: Nathaniel, Jonathan, Aaron, Erik, Alexandra, Bethany, Jason, Sarah, Ianna, Joshua, Isaiah; sister, Vivian Simonson of Yankton, S.D. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; son, Daniel, parents, Charles & Hazel Huber; brother, Duane Huber and sister, Fern Rempp. Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 21, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Pallbearers were Ben Johnson, Doug Schmidt, Steve Rosenow, Randy Rempp, Rich Mangelson, Sherm Wood. Burial was at Lakeview Cemetery in Grey Eagle.