Bernice E. Spenst

Bernice Evangeline (Newton) Spenst, born July 13, 1921, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2017, at the Thief River Falls Care Center. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Roland Victor Spenst, sons, Daniel Jerome and James Roland Spenst, and sister, Leona Brooke (Harold) of Leesburg, VA.

She is survived by son, Scott Douglas Spenst (Cheryl Loerzel), grandsons, Erin James Spenst of Titusville, FL, James Dean Loerzel and Riley Scott Spenst of Red Lake Falls, MN, sister, Marilyn Gustafson (Ray) of St. Louis Park, MN, daughter-in-law, Betty Spenst, St. Paul, MN, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bernice was born in St. Paul, MN, to Barney and Effie Newton. They moved to Webster, WI, when she was a young child and made a home on the farm. After high school, she moved to the Twin Cities and met and married Roland Spenst. They moved to Alsen, ND, where they lived for many years.
Bernice raised her family with love and devotion. She enjoyed gardening: vegetables, fruits, and flowers. She was a terrific cook. Bernice made lots of delicious pies for her family and others. She was active in her church, women's clubs, and enjoyed writing many interesting and detailed letters to her family and friends.
A few years after Roland passed away, Bernice moved to Thief River Falls to be near her son Jim. She made lots of friends and participated in fun activities at the senior living community. She eventually moved to the Thief River Falls Care Center where she spent her last five years. Here she made more friends and enjoyed playing games and bingo.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Thief River Falls Care Center for their kindness and loving care.
Funeral service will be held at the Swiss Mennonite Church in Alsen, ND, Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the time of services.