Bernice Connell, 77
Bernice Connell, 77, Alexandria, died November 19, 2009 after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for the past few years.
Bernice Connell, 77, Alexandria, died November 19, 2009 after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for the past few years.
Bernice was born April 18, 1932 in Yankton, South Dakota to Charles and Hazel Huber. She attended Yankton High School and graduated on May 27, 1949. During her teenage years Bernice was active in 4-H, a member of the Busy Bees, and at age 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 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.
Through letters, Bernice met Glenn Connell through her brother, Duane, while they were serving in the Korean War. Bernice and Glenn were married May 31, 1954 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton. After their marriage, they farmed in Alexandria, SD and in 1957 moved to Grey Eagle, where they continued farming. During these years Bernice spent most of her time baking, helping with chores and 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. Bernice was then hired by the Grey Eagle School District and taught 1st grade for 28 years. During this time she was also president of the Grey Eagle Education Association.
In 1998, Bernice moved to Alexandria to be closer to family. She enjoyed many hobbies such as crocheting, reading, quilting, word finds and gardening.
She is survived by five children, Karen (Rick) Gomer of Lakeland, FL, Roxanne (Duane) Stensvad of Silver Lake, Darrell (Jean) of Alexandria, Joanne (Gene) Haran of Oviedo, FL, Gerald (Jane) of Montevideo; 11 grandchildren, Nathaniel, Jonathan, Aaron, Erik, Alexandra, Bethany, Jason, Sarah, Ianna, Joshua and Isaiah; sister, Vivian Simonson of Yankton, SD.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; son, Daniel; parents, Charles and Hazel Huber; brother, Duane Huber; and sister, Fern Rempp.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 21 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria.
Pallbearers were Ben Johnson, Doug Schmidt, Steve Rosenow, Randy Rempp, Rich Mangelson and Sherm Wood. Burial was at Lakeview Cemetery in Grey Eagle.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
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Tags: bernice connell, anderson funeral home, obituaries, connell, alexandria
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