Bernice Schroeder

Bernice Emma, daughter of Carl Emil' and Caroline (Plahn) Karsten, was born March 24, 1921 on the family farm 1 mile north of Manning in Carroll County, Iowa. Her mother died of the flu five weeks after giving birth so Bernice was raised by her dad's twin August Karsten and his wife Bertha. She joined their two children Leona and Harry on the Karsten family farm northwest of Manning. Bernice attended rural schools until age 13 when she moved back to her father's farm to manage the home and help with farm work. On March 27, 1940 Bernice was united in marriage with Harold Schroeder at the Lutheran Parsonage in Manning. They lived with and cared for her father until his death in 1949. Bernice and Harold were the parents of two sons, Thomas Harold and David William. Bernice was a homemaker, caring for their children and helping on the Karsten/Schroeder farm northwest of Manning. Harold retired in 1982 after their son David took over the farming operation. Bernice and Harold moved into their new home in Manning in 1987. Bernice was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Manning where she was baptized, confirmed and a loyal lifetime member. She was also a member of Homemaker's Club and Homemaker's Past Presidents. Bernice enjoyed playing cards with friends, many types of handiwork and following the sporting events of her children. Above all, she relished time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Harold died in 1998 and David died the next year. Bernice continued to live independently in their home in Manning. Bernice had been in failing health for a number of years even though she was able to remain at home. She died there on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at the age of 91 years, 7 months and 6 days. Bernice is preceded in death by her husband Harold; son David; sister in law Elaine (Alvan) Hansen; brother in law Orren (Geraldine) Schroeder and cousins with whom she grew up Leona (Bill) Brus and Harry (Alice) Karsten. She is survived by her son Thomas H. Schroeder and his wife, Katherine Jo Betts of Lakewood, CO; grandson Thomas Jacob Schroeder of Evergreen, CO; granddaughter Tamara Leigh Drozda of Evergreen, CO; great grandchildren Clifford Eddie' Drozda V and Emma Joy Drozda both of Evergreen, CO; and other relatives and friends. Officiating REVEREND JONATHON CONNER Music "HOW GREAT THOU ART" "HEAVEN IS MY HOME" "WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS" CONGREGATION CARLYS STRIBE, ORGANIST Casket Bearers BARRY KUSEL BRAD KUSEL DAVE KUSEL THOMAS J. SCHROEDER CLIFFORD EDDIE' DROZDA V TAMMY DROZDA EMMA JOY DROZDA Honorary Casket Bearers ROGER HANSEN JOY HANSEN JIM HANSEN VERNON HANSEN AL SATTLER DUANE KARSTEN