Bernice Looker, Thief River Falls, age 97, died Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Thief River Care Center,

Thief River Falls, MN

A Memorial Service honoring her life will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at United Methodist Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Matthew Howe and Jeff Gustafson officiating.  Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls in the spring.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a 7:00PM Prayer Service on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN.

Bernice G. Nesland was born March 7, 1920 at Devils Lake, ND, the daughter of Charlie and Alma (Thorpe) Nesland.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.  Bernice attended school in Oklee, MN, graduating from Oklee high school in 1938.  She attended Aakers Business College in Grand Forks, ND for a year.

Bernice was united in marriage to Robert J. Looker on March 8, 1942.  Seven children were born to this union:  Mary, Susan, Roberta, Jon, Ruth, Mike, and Nancy.  As the family was growing up, they spent summer vacations at several lakes in the state, selecting a different one each year.  Winter time included an annual trip to the Ice Follies.  She was involved with PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and TRFinettes Drum and Bugle Corp.  Bernice and her husband were Guardians of Job's Daughters.  Together, Bernice and Robert made their home in Thief River Falls until his retirement when they moved to Grand Forks, ND.  After Robert's passing in 2002, Bernice moved back to Thief River Falls.

She was mostly a home maker, but also worked as a bookkeeper and waitress.

Bernice was a member of United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls where she was a member of the Ruth Circle and was chairman of the kitchen committee in charge of funerals and bazaars.  Bernice was a member of the Shrine Auxiliary of Kem Temple, American Legion Auxiliary, the Trainman's Auxiliary, and Eastern Star since 1964, where she served as Past Matron and Associate Matron.  Bernice also was a member of B.P.O Does, holding the office of president, secretary, and State President.  She was the coordinator for the Home Delivered Meals Program and served as county and city chairman for the Heart Fund.  Bernice was honored as "Woman of the Year" by the Business and Professional Women.

She loved traveling with Bob, going to Hawaii and Alaska. Bus trips took them for the fall foliage in the Northeast and Western coastal states.

Bernice is survived by children: Susan (Jim) Engelstad, Mesa, AZ, Roberta Looker, Thief River Falls, MN, Jon (Junell) Looker, Warren, MN, Ruth Olson, Thief River Falls, MN, Mike (Karen) Looker, Thief River Falls, MN and Nancy (Paul) Boerboom, Hartford, SD; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; step-sister, Jean (Charlie) Dickinson of Williamstown, VT; and many cousins, relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob, daughter Mary Jenson; great-grandson, Jett Joseph Engelstad; her parents; sister-in-law, Norma Jean Looker; step-sister, Ruth Anne St. John; step-brother, Paul Senstad.