Bernice Orella Olson was born on October 4, 1912 in Kensett, Iowa, the daughter of Sam and Johanna (Jorgenson) Olson. She was baptized, confirmed and attended school in Iowa.

Bernice was united in marriage to Bendick Vatsaas on October 16, 1930 at Lake Park, MN. The couple farmed for a short time near Hitterdal, MN. In 1939 they moved to Pennington County and settled on a farm near Thief River Falls, where they resided until Bendicks death in 1967. Following Bendicks death Bernice moved into Thief River Falls, where she has since resided.

She was a member of Oak Ridge Lutheran Church and served that church in various capacities. Bernice was a 4-H Leader of the Steiner 4-H Club for many years. In 1979 she received the Friend of 4-H Award. Bernice also cooked at Lake Sarah 4-H Camp for over 20 years.

Bernice worked at Peterson Biddick for 17 years and in other various jobs. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her many friends. Each one was very special to Bernice.

Bernie is survived by three sons: Bendick (Lou) Vatsaas of Tacoma, WA, Duane (Pauline) Vatsaas of Thief River Falls, MN and Jerry (Judy) Vatsaas of Rogersville, TN; three daughters: Inga Kennedy of Winston Salem, NC, JoAnn (DelRay) Offerdahl of Thief River Falls, MN and Patricia (Richard) Kjensrud of Newfolden, MN; 22 grandchildren; 53 great grandchildren; one brother, Stanley Olson of Fargo, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bendick; one son in infancy; one sister, Gladys Peterson; one brother, Emil Olson; son-in-law, James Kennedy; daughter-in-law, Juanita Vatsaas; and one grandson, Mitch Swanson.