Bernice Mae (Maurer) Thurber

Bernice M. Thurber, age 94, of South Haven, died Sunday, February 27, 2022, at the Annandale Care Center.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2022, at Lake Union Covenant Church with Pastor Tyler Menssen officiating. Burial will follow at Lake Union Covenant Cemetery. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Bernice Mae Maurer was born March 12, 1927, in Parshall, North Dakota to Edward and Alma (Knute) Maurer. At the age of 6, Bernice moved with her family to Craig, Missouri before moving to South Haven at the age of 13. She graduated from Annandale High School in 1945. Bernice then attended St. Cloud Beauty College. In 1948, she was united in marriage to Conrad Hendricks in Minneapolis. Conrad served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Colorado. To this union, one daughter, Connie, was born. Conrad preceded Bernice in death as a result of the Korean War. Bernice and Connie moved back to Minnesota, where she worked at Honeywell. On April 19, 1954, Bernice was united in marriage to Marrell Thurber in Sioux City, Iowa. They built a home on the shores of Lake Union, and were blessed with 6 more children. Bernice owned and operated Bee's Beauty Shop from her home. Bernice was an active member of Lake Union Covenant Church, where she participated in bible studies and ladies aid. She was also a member of the South Haven VFW Auxiliary. In their retirement years, Bernice and Marrell enjoyed driving their motor home to Texas, where they enjoyed the warmth for over 20 years. They also went on many fishing trips, with salmon fishing on Lake Michigan being her favorite. Bernice was a gifted painter, with many of her family members having one of her works of art. She was also known to be an excellent Krumkake baker. Bernice's sense of humor, sarcasm, and her willingness to lovingly give those around her a hard time will fondly be remembered.

Bernice is suvived by her children, Connie (Frank) Porcaro of Tahoe, California, Wanda (Jim) Kuseske of St. Cloud, Pam Engen (Dale Larson) of Belgrade, James (Janet) Thurber of Annandale, Bob (Colleen) Thurber of South Haven, and Don (Bonnie) Thurber of Kimball; 16 grandchildren; 21 and counting great-grandchildren; siblings, Lawrence (Darlene) Maurer of Litchfield and Wilma Hilary of Crystal; and her nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; daughter, Karla Sommers; sister, Clara Flanagan; and brother-in-law, Lee Hilary.

Bernice's grandsons will serve as casket bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

Obituary and Guestbook online at www.dingmannfuneral.com

Bernice's family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the staff of Moments Hospice, Cardinal Cottage, and Pastor Tyler.

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