Bernice Margaret Ohde

Bernice Margaret, daughter of George and Ida Margaret (Roggendorf) Dethlefs, was born December 2, 1916 at Alton, Iowa, where her father operated a picture show (movie theater). When she was a toddler the family moved to Manning where her parents owned and operated the Klean Klose Shop on Main Street. Bernice attended Manning schools, graduating with the Class of 1934. Following her graduation she worked at Rober-Wehrman Department Store as a bookkeeper for five years. On February 26, 1939, Bernice was united in marriage with William Franklin Ohde at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. Four children were born to this union. Bernice helped her husband in the Ohde Funeral Home business, though she was primarily a wonderful homemaker. They lived above the funeral home for many years before moving to their home on Blaine Street in Manning. Bernice enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, crocheting and needle point. She was a member of Zatetic Study Club and served as treasurer of the Manning Hospital Auxiliary for many years. As a girl, Bernice enjoyed playing tennis and was often the baseball pitcher or catcher for her brother Kenny. Later on she became an avid golfer earning medalist honors at the local golf course many times. Over the years Bernie and Bill played in many couples golf tournaments around the state. They also traveled to and played golf courses in Florida and California. Bernice was an outstanding cook and baker, seldom following the recipes exactly. When Bernice's health began to fail and her husband could no longer care for her at home she became a resident of the Manning Plaza Nursing Home. After suffering a stroke in early October 2009, she was transferred to the Manning General Hospital where she died on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at the age of 92 years, 10 months and 9 days. Preceding her in death are her parents and brother Kenneth Dethlefs and his wife Virginia. She is survived by her husband Bill Ohde of Manning; four children: Ruth Ohde of Manning; Linda and husband George Farley of Lake Bluff, IL; Bill Ohde of Palm Springs, CA and John Ohde and wife Jackie and her children Sam, Ben and Sydney of Manning; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Ron Beaver and wife Kathleen and their son James (JP) of Woodinville, WA; Alison and husband Mark River and their daughter Abigail of Manning; Julia Bachman and her daughter Olivia of Manning and John Bachman and wife Wendy and their sons Charlie and Ben of Denver, CO; two nieces JoAnn and husband Jim Karsten and Georgia and husband Rick Lohrmann both of Manning; other relatives and friends.