Bernice Mayer

Bernice Elaine Mayer was born in Alexandria, Minnesota, on December 20, 1920, the daughter of Floyd and Marie (Frasier) Gross. She attended schools in Alexandria. On October 12, 1938, Bernice was united in marriage to Robert G. Mayer at the St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria. Bernice?s husband had a career with the Federal Aviation Administration and because of this the family moved several times, living in Warren, Ohio, Spring Green, Wisconsin, Cleveland, Ohio, Jamestown, North Dakota, and finally in Alexandria where they made their permanent home. During World War II, Bernice stayed with the children while her husband went to Alaska to work in the war effort. Bernice was a homemaker but did work for some time at the St. Mary Catholic School and Central Junior High in the lunchroom. She also loved to care for others and was an incredible cook. Her children fondly remember that when she made meals she usually made extra that she would deliver to the nuns at the convent. Bernice died suddenly on February 17, 2008, at the Douglas County Hospital at the age of 87 years. She is survived by her children Elaine (Brent) Wadsworth of Wyoming, Minnesota, Patricia (Fred) Kocer of Pickstown, SD, and Ronald (Pauline) Mayer of Burnsville. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Robert in 2003, parents, sisters Doris and Mildred, brother, Donny, grandson Danny Hauer, and sons-in-law Donald Hauer and Ken Kinner. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 23, 2008, from the St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Rev. Steven Binsfeld officiating. Interment was in the St. Mary?s Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota, with David McMayer, Jon Mayer, James Mayer, Richard Hauer, Brent Wadsworth, Tim Wadsworth, and Delmore Gustafson serving as Pallbearers. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.