Bernice Arlene Sistad, 87, of Grygla, MN, died on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at LifeCare Greenbush Manor, Greenbush, MN.

The funeral service will be at 2 PM Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Grace Lutheran Church, Grygla, MN, with Vicar Marilyn Grafstrom Officiating.

Visitation will be Friday, July 16, 2021, at 5-7 PM with a Prayer Service at 7 PM at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN.

Burial will be at St. Olaf Cemetery, Grygla, MN.

Bernice Arlene Sletten was born on April 13, 1934, to Oluf and Mabel (Thronson) Sletten, at home in Lee Township, Beltrami County, near Grygla, MN.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith as a child.  Bernice attended a country school near her home.  After her schooling, Bernice worked at Pennington Hotel, Thief River Falls, in housekeeping.

On September 22, 1956, Bernice was united in marriage to Arvid Sistad in Thief River Falls, MN, and made their home in Grygla. To this union, they were blessed with 8 children. In 1961, they moved to a farm in Valley Township, Marshall County, where they raised their children and operated a small dairy farm.

As an instrumental part of the farming operation, Bernice put in many long days milking cows, gardening, preparing meals, cleaning the barn, working in the fields, and keeping the household moving and caring for the family.  Baking and having cookies and coffee available and her famous donuts and buns were also an important part of her life.

On February 25, 1997, Arvid passed away, and Bernice sold the farm and made her home in Grygla.  Later, she moved to Thief River Falls and lived with her son, Dale, until moving into LifeCare Greenbush Manor.  Bernice was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, WELCA, and VFW Auxilary.

Bernice also taught herself to play the guitar by listening to the radio.  As her children grew up, they would sing together after the chores were finished.  Family time was very important to Bernice, as the family worked and played together.  Bernice will be remembered as a kind, sweet, generous person with a big heart for all.

Bernice is survived by her children: Wallace (Pauline), Grygla, MN; Gerald (Cheryl) Grygla, MN; Dale Sletten, Thief River Falls; Gail (Ronnie) Kotrba, Goodridge, MN; Debbie Hanson, Thief River Falls, MN; Carol (Merlin) Klamar, Gatzke, MN; Jody (Mike) Kirkeide, Greenbush, MN; 19 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren, and one on the way; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.; daughter-in-law, Virginia Dahl, special friends, Fran Mosher, Ray and Sue Aune.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arvid Sistad, infant son, Michael, son, David, infant grandchildren: Scott and Rhonda Sistad; parents and 12 brothers and sisters.

"Blessed be the Memory of Bernice Sistad"