Bernice Lafrenz, 93, died Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at Lyngblomsten Care Center, St. Paul, MN.


Bernice Irene Berge was born July 23, 1914 to the late Thomas and Clara Christina (Ringham) Berge. Her mother died when she was only nine years of age and she was raised to adulthood by her aunt and uncle, Ove and Rena Berge. Bernice was a life long resident of Thief River Falls prior to moving to St. Paul in February of 1970. She lived in the same house on the same corner most of her life. She moved into the Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul in February of 2004.

She was baptized into the Christian Faith, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN, by Pastor I.T. Aastad and confirmed April 15, 1928 by Pastor S.L. Tallakson in the same church. Her elementary schooling was in Knox School and she graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, June 2, 1932.

Bernice worked for the Carnegie Public Library for three years, the Forum Publishing Company one year as a reporter, and in January of 1935 began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company where she worked for twelve and one-half years.

On October 12, 1946, she was united in marriage to Albert Lafrenz at Trinity Lutheran Church by Pastor D.S. Thompson. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls. In February of 1970 she moved to St. Paul, MN and worked as a clerk/typist for the State of Minnesota in the Centennial Building in Taxation Department. She later went to work as an Intercept Operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in St. Paul and retired July 31, 1979.

She is presently a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN and associate member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls. Bernice was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church Senior Choir for 15 years, and Mothers Club Chorus for 10 years. She was also a member of St. Timothy Senior Choir for 10 years. Bernice was active as Girl Scout leader and was coordinator for 5 years.

Bernice enjoyed music, photography, and art.

Survivors include two daughters, Kathy (Richard) Nelson, Thief River Falls and Ruth Ann (Russell) Lozensky, St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Kevin (Vicki) Nelson, Thief River Falls and Chris A. Nelson, Red Lake Falls, MN; two great granddaughters, Jenna Olivia Nelson and Joyia Sophia Nelson; two step great grandchildren: Riley and Savannah Rolling, and numerous cousins.

She is preceded in death by parents; infant sister, Ruby Catherine Berge; and brother, George E. Berge on December 31, 1993.