Bernice M. (Pelzer) Witschen

Bernice Margaret Witschen   May 11, 1936 – November 23, 2023

Bernice M. Witschen passed away November 23, 2023 quietly in her sleep at Good Shepherd Community, Sauk Rapids, MN.   

Bernice and her twin sister Beatrice were born on May 11, 1936, in St. Nicholas MN, to Rudy and Frances (Holthaus) Pelzer.  She grew up just outside of St. Augusta, MN.  On June 4, 1957, Bernice married Andrew Witschen, at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in St. Augusta, MN. Following their marriage, they made their home and raised their family in Monticello, MN

Bernice worked sewing drapes, making salads at the River Inn, and for Wrightco (now Cargill).  She loved raising her family and time playing cards with friends. She was an excellent quilter, with family members blessed to have her work shared with them. She loved showing her latest project whenever you stopped out for a visit. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Frank Pelzer, Edward Pelzer, John Pelzer, and Gene Pelzer; and five sisters, Luella Klaverkamp, Adeline Laudenbach, Ruth Teonjes, Beatrice Neu, and Alice Ross.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Andrew; her three sons, Larry (Vicki) Witschen, Dan Witschen, and Tim (Cindy) Witschen, of Monticello; three daughters, Linda (John) Buchl, of Mantorville, MN, Jenise (Matt) Antony, of Big Lake, MN, and Julie (Mike) Smith, of Horace, ND; 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren (with 2 more on the way); one sister, Marlene (Gary) Laudenbach, of St. Augusta, MN; sisters-in-law, Theresa (Edward) Pelzer, of St. Cloud, MN, and LaVerne (John) Pelzer, of Fairhaven, MN; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 11:00 am, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Monticello, with Father Patrick Barnes officiating. Visitation will be held at St. Henry’s beginning at 9:30 am, on the same day.  Lunch will follow the service. Interment will be at St. Henry’s cemetery.   

Serving the family is Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.

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