Bernice Blanshan, 88

Bernice Katherine Blanshan, 88, died Saturday, July 10, 2010.

Bernice was born December 20, 1921 in Detroit Lakes, the daughter of Jay and Katherine (Andrews) Stiegelmeyer. She attended school at Bingham Lake. At age 10, Bernice was baptized at the Methodist Church in Bingham Lake.

Bernice and her family moved to northern Minnesota, where she continued her schooling and graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1940. Bernice was fortunate enough to attend her 50th and 60th class reunions.

During World War II Bernice ran stamping presses at Sioux Steel in Sioux Falls, SD.

On October 30, 1946 Bernice was united in marriage to her grade school classmate, Lester Blanshan, at the Methodist parsonage in Windom. They were blessed with one child, Rick.

In 1948 they moved to Lebanon, OR and they both worked in the Cascade Plywood Mill. After a short time they returned to Minnesota and farmed at Bejou. Most of Bernice’s married life was spent in Windom. In 1955, she was confirmed at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Windom. She was an active church member, taught Sunday school and was active in her church guild.

In 1997, Bernice and Lester moved to Alexandria to be closer to their son. Bernice enjoyed doing craft work, knitted, crocheted and sewed. She loved music and enjoyed playing the organ.

Her parents; two sisters, Evelyn Winterton and Hazel Buhr; three brothers, Dale, Ray and Ervin Steigelmeyer preceded her in death.

Her husband, Lester, survives Bernice. they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in 2009. She is also survived by her sister, Ruby Holt; son, Rick Blanshan and wife, Trudy, of Osakis; granddaughter, Katy Blanshan of St. Cloud; grandson, Jesse Blanshan and wife, Angie, of Windom; one great-granddaughter, Astaria Blanshan; several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 14 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Alexandria. The Rev. Fr. Noel Rich will officiate. Nancy Anderson will provide music. Interment will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 18 at Lakeview Cemetery in Windom.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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