Bernice H. Steele, age 83, of Faribault, died Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.
Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday for one hour prior to services. Parish prayers will be recited on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.
Bernice Helen Harriman, the daughter of Andrew and Clara (Kaupa) Harriman was born on January 31, 1926 in LeCenter, MN. She attended LeCenter High School. On December 27, 1947 she was united in marriage to Stephen F. Steele at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Faribault. Mr. Steele preceded her in death on June 17, 2007. Bernice worked at the original Hotel Faribault as a waitress in the Rondeley Room which was a fixture of fine dining for years. After the close of the Hotel Faribault she worked at the Evergreen Knoll for over 30 years. She loved her work as a waitress and loved the many people she served.
She was a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary several times. And was dedicated to the many volunteering opportunities it gave her; serving dinners, salad luncheons and poppy sales. She also volunteered at the District One Hospital gift shop, did meals on wheels and Befrienders, an organization dedicated to visiting the elderly and homebound. She traveled extensively with her friends and family. Several trips to Europe, Hawaii, numerous cruises and mystery trips. Bernice loved to garden in her spare time and also loved her fur children; cats Rudy, Samantha and Alex and her dog Scamp, her many pets over the years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, District One Hospital Auxiliary, Empty Cup, Rosary Society, Meals on Wheels, Befrienders and Bible Study Club.
She is survived by two daughters, Nina Steele and Vince Stefanski of Des Moines, IA and Vicki (Jim) Akemann of Faribault; by three step grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren; by two sisters, Delores (Don) Gregor of Morristown and Mary Jane Madigan of Madison Lake, MN; by two brothers, Clarence (Bert) Harriman of Shieldsville and Gregg (Bonnie) Harriman of Waterville, MN and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son John Steele, two sisters, Arlene Harriman and Marjorie Wagner and by her brother, Arnold Harriman.
