GERWING - It is with great sadness that the family of Bernice Gerwing, of Lake Lenore passed away at the age of 77, on June 20, 2011. Bernice was born to George and Mary (nee Kurtenbach) Hackl at St. Benedict, the 8th child of 11. Bernice took her education at St. Benedict School. Following that she did domestic jobs in the community. Little did she know that this part of her life would prepare her for her career as a wife and mother of eight children. It was at a dance in Middle Lake that she met the love of her life Daniel Gerwing. After a two year courtship they were married at the Old St. Benedict R.C. Church on October 15, 1952. Together they began their life on a farm in the Lake Lenore area. They were blessed with eight children. Dan decided to have a career change and in 1961 they moved into the town of Lake Lenore. Bernice continued to produce a large vegetable garden for survival and enjoyment. She loved flowers and all the beautiful birds they attracted. Bernice was an excellent cook and would create many delicious dishes with love for her family. Her overnight buns recipe has been passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her pie recipe also provided a perfect way to end a perfect meal. She did share that recipe with Dan who had taken over the job of "pie maker". She was very active in the St. Anthony's CWL for many years and served as president for one term. All domestic duties put aside, Bernice's love was people. She truly was a people person. Her home was always open and she always made time to care and share with anyone who needed to talk or just have a cup of coffee. It was through Dan and Bernice's involvement in an organization of special friends that they were able to minister help and support to many young couples and individuals around the area. She loved everyone unconditionally and accepted everyone for who they were and where they were in their lives. Bernice was always very encouraging and supportive, especially to her children. She was very proud of her family's accomplishments. The best word to describe Bernice would be "encourager". Bernice had many special qualities we all enjoyed. Her soft, gentle, joyful personality will be missed by many. Bernice will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 58 years DANIEL Gerwing of Lake Lenore; five children, 20 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren: YVONNE (Michael) Vedress of Lake Lenore and family, Erin (Lee) Tosh and daughter Ava, all of Melfort, John Vedress of Lake Lenore and Megan Vedress (Mark Tosh) of Kennedy; MARILYN Gerwing of Revelstoke, BC and family, Melissa (Chris) Edwards and children Reagan, Emma-Lyn and Ethan, all of Humboldt, Benjaman Haeusler of Red Deer, AB, Nickolle Thoms of Humboldt and Mark Thoms of Saskatoon; AUDREY'S children Dwight Gerwing, Jessie (Keith) Hopfner-Richardson of Muenster, Evrett Hopfner of Lake Lenore, Samantha Hopfner of Saskatoon and Elliot Hopfner of Lake Lenore; COLLEEN Gerwing of Calgary and son Pete (Tara) L'Heureux and children Edan and Mya, all of Swift Current and step children, Scott (Tara) Dubbin and children, Jordan, Paige and Mckenna, Amanda Dubbin and Matthew Dubbin, all of Calgary; KATHY (Chris) Linwall of Parksville, BC and family, Jeremy (Tara) Holcomb of Saskatoon, Christopher (Lauren) Holcomb of Regina, Andrea Linwall and Joshua Linwall, both of Parksville, BC; and BARRY Gerwing of Calgary; three brothers and one sister: Helen Poezler of Kelowna, Earl Hackl of Humboldt, Archie Hackl and Gary (Sandy) Hackl, all of Smithers, BC; sisters-in-law, Loretta Hoffman of Humboldt and Margaret Gerwing of Lake Lenore; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Bernice was predeceased by her parents George and Mary Hackl; three children: Audrey Hopfner (2011), Gerard Gerwing (1964) and Mark Gerwing (1954); three brothers and three sisters: Emma, Orville, Roger, Georgie, Madeline and Eileen. A Prayer Service was held on Friday, June 24, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. participants in the service were: scripture readers Erin tosh and Colleen Gerwing with Barry Gerwing sharing words of remembrance. The Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. concelebrated by Fr. Richard Meidl O.S.B. and Fr. Andrew Britz. Participants in the mass were: cross bearer Elliot Hopfner, altar servers Grace Flaman, Jesse Flaman, Janaya Gerwing and Renee Gerwing, scripture readers Jeremy Holcomb and Christopher Holcomb, prayers of faithful Megan Vedress, gift bearers Andrea Linwall, Doshua Linwall and Mark Thoms, a duet was performed by Jessie Hopfner - Richardson and Jeremy Holcomb and memorial table attendants were: Annette Yeager, Shelly Kunz, Jane Ramler and Elizabeth Lemmerich. Honorary pallbearers were "All those who shared in Beatrice's life". Pallbearers were: Bernice's grandchildren: Benjamin Haeusler, Melissa Edwards, Evrett Hopfner, John Vedress, Samantha Hopfner and Mickolle Thoms. Both services were held from St. Anthony's R.C. Church Lake Lenore. Interment followed at St. Anthony's R.C. Cemetery Lake Lenore. Memorial donations in Bernice's memory may be directed to Calgary Full Gospel or LIFE Outreach International - 3rd World Humanitarian Aid. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to MALINOSKI & DANYLUIK FUNERAL HOME Humboldt., SK.
