Bernice Saethre

Bernice Thelma Saethre, 87, of Pine River, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2009, at North Memorial Medical Center, Minneapolis. She was born April 24, 1922, in Buchanan, Sask., Canada, to Talmer and Borghild Sorestad. They moved to L'Anse, MI, when Bernice was a child. She graduated from L'Anse High School and in 1940, graduated from Augsburg College. She took three years of nurses training at Eitel Hospital, then served as an Air Force Senior Cadet. She married the Rev. Roland Saethre on April 24, 1946, and the couple enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Bernice and her siblings lost their parents as young children and yet succeeded as a family to earn their own way as hard working youth and adults, and went on to become devoted Christian parents. Bernice weathered her trying hardships and MS well, and remained a gregarious, gracious lady with a ready smile and words of praise and encouragement. She will be especially remembered by family and friends for faithfully sending many cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions over the years. It was joked that she sent thank you cards in response to thank you cards.

A devoted wife and mother, she will be dearly missed by husband, Roland; children: John Saethre (Debby) of Prather, CA, Renee Anderson (David) of Pequot Lakes, Margaret Iverson (Louis) of Radnor, OH, Thomas Saethre (Mindy) of Loma Linda, CA, Naomi Kennicut (Randy) of Wilton, CA; grandchildren: Matt Anderson, Joseph Anderson (Amy), Lisa Anderson Kadow (Ben), Sara Anderson Juers (Shawn), Heather Iverson Smith (Blair), Aaron Iverson, Mark Saethre, Caleb Kennicut, Kelsey Kennicut, Kjersten Saethre Jimison (Ryan), Jonna Saethre, Karin Saethre, Karl Saethre, Peder Saethre; great grandchildren: Caitlyn, Andrew and Christopher Kadow, Caeden Jimison; sister, Gladys Gould of Seattle, WA; brother, Ken Sorestad (Eunice) of Sedro Woolley, WA; and a host of nephews, nieces and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Adolph Sorestad; and sister, Lorraine Peterson.

Services will be 11 AM on Monday, October 26, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.