BERTING: Bernice Mathilda
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June 16, 1931 鈥� November 14, 2015
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The death of Mrs. Bernice Mathilda (nee Merkowsky) Berting of St. Mary鈥檚 Villa, Humboldt, SK, occurred at her residence on Saturday, November 14, 2015. She was 84 years of age. Bernice was born on June 16, 1931, to Michael and Elizabeth (nee Suchan) Merkowsky at home on the family farm near Burr, SK. She grew up on the farm and attended Willow Ridge School. After completing Grade 8, Bernice stayed home to help on the farm. She then began working at Delux Cleaners for her brother-in-law, Ben Fortowsky. While attending a dance, she met Ernie Berting who was playing in his orchestra, Ernie and the Rhythm Ramblers. They were married on July 21, 1952, in St. Scholastica R.C. Church, near Burr. Their first home together was in Pleasantdale, SK. They also lived in Melfort, Estevan, and eventually returned to Humboldt where they continued to reside. A hard-working woman, as well as being a devoted homemaker for her husband and children, Bernice worked numerous jobs at the same time. During those years, she assisted Ernie with his various businesses, from working in the office of Royalite Oil, working for the Wolverine/Humboldt Rural Telephone Company, driving the mail truck, helping to operate Humboldt Lanes which they bought in 1975, and being an auctioneer clerk, to maintaining the apartment building they owned. Evenings were about as busy as the days. After attending square dances, Ernie became a caller. That took him and Bernice to various towns instructing at different clubs. Community-minded people, as busy as their schedules were, around 1972 they joined the Jaycees/Jaycettes and also worked for Futuristic Industries. From 1972 to 2010, Bernice boarded two sisters, Martha and Adeline Menz, who worked at Futuristic. As well, for a number of years, Bernice worked at Nutter鈥檚 Bulk Foods. Over the years, Bernice pursued a number of hobbies and interests. She loved dancing, bowling, walking, fishing, gardening, crocheting, knitting, and playing cards and games. Bernice leaves many fond and heart-warming memories to cherish. She had a vibrant personality, a quick wit with a dry sense of humor, was a great hostess who loved to entertain, and was an interesting story-teller. As well, we will never forget her immaculate appearance, perfect hairdo, and beautiful smile at all times. Due to failing health, in December 2011, Bernice moved into Birch Manor at Bethany Pioneer Village in Middle Lake and, two years later, became a resident of Aspen Manor at Bethany. A final move was made in December 2014 to St. Mary鈥檚 Villa, her home until the present. Bernice will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her three daughters and three grandchildren: Diann Berting and daughter Stacey Berting, and Joan Berting, all of Humboldt, SK, and Bev (Curtis) Demmert and children Kayli Demmert and Troy Demmert, all of Warman, SK; one sister, Lorna (Ozzie) Lutz of Lanigan, SK; sister-in-law, Marie Merkowsky of Humboldt; in-laws of the Berting family; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, Ernie Berting (September 10, 1995); parents, Michael and Elizabeth (nee Suchan) Merkowsky; and by four sisters and two brothers: Mary (Ben) Schiminowsky, Isabel (Ben) Fortowsky, Elizabeth (Joe) Kosokowsky, Alfred Merkowsky, Leonard Merkowsky, and Hilda (Eric) Langner. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Thursday, November 19, 2015, at 2:00 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Cosmas Epifano, OSB. Others taking part were: Curtis Demmert, crossbearer; Ozzie Lutz and Margaret Fortowsky, scripture readers; Laura Kosokowsky, intentions; Kayli Demmert and Troy Demmert, giftbearers; Johanna Merkowsky and Josephine Stroeder, memorial table attendants; Stacey Berting, Kayli Demmert and Troy Demmert, urnbearers; and Bev Demmert, eulogist. Music ministry was provided by director Loretta Schugmann, organist Dolores Hinz, and the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. Honorary pallbearers were 鈥渁ll those who shared in Bernice鈥檚 life鈥�. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Alzheimer Society or the S.P.C.A. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
