L. Bernice Erickson

Bernice Erickson, 90 of Devils Lake formerly of Starkweather, ND passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake.

She was born Lillian Bernice Erickson on June 21, 1928, in rural Starkweather, ND the daughter of Eric F. and Jennie (Fossumstuen) Erickson. Bernice would make her home on the family farm for most of her life.  She attended the Starkweather Public School where she played on the Girl’s Basketball team.  She graduated with the class of 1946. 

After graduation, Bernice continued to live and work the family farm, helping with all the chores, raising chickens and geese, cooking, cleaning and gardening. She cared for her mother until she died at age 103 and also cared for her brother Clifford until his death. 

Bernice cared for people in many different ways. She showed her caring heart by planting, harvesting, processing the produce of her gardens and sharing with family and friends.  She was an excellent cook and baker, famous for her pies.  She embroidered many beautiful pillowcases and dish towels and also skilled at painting by numbers. 

In 1981, Bernice, her Mother and brother moved to Devils Lake. Bernice always looked forward to visits from her sister in Minnesota and brothers from California and Washington.  In 2010, Bernice moved to Lake Country Manor and was a popular, loved resident there and also continued showing that loving and caring heart for all after moving to the Good Samaritan Center. 

Bernice was a member of Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church, cherished the community of friends from Starkweather and was so thankful for the blessing of family in her life. She loved you all. 

Bernice is survived by her nieces and nephews Carol Schultz-Lyons, Woodbury, MN, Donald (Bobbi) Schultz, Rock Creek, MN, Judy (Coby) Barstad, Sheyenne, ND, Cheryl (Rick) Shaffer, Maple Lake, MN and Richard Erickson, Mesa, AZ; many beloved great nieces and great nephews including special great niece Rachael Leitch; special cousin Rolf Fossumstuen and other family from Norway.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law Gladys and Art Schultz; brothers and sisters-in-law Alvin and Juanita Erickson, Alfred and Myra Erickson, Ernest and Betty Erickson and Clifford Erickson; nephew Dennis Schultz and niece Joyce Erickson.

Casket Bearers for Bernice will be Don Schultz, Richard Erickson, Coby Barstad and Luke Leitch. Reading Scripture will be Judy Barstad and Richard Erickson. 

Funeral Services for Bernice will be held next Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church, Starkweather with Reverend Robert Buechler officiating. Bernice will be laid to rest in the Trinity-Bergen Cemetery, rural Starkweather.  Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday one hour prior to the funeral service.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Bernice.

Bernice is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake