Bernice Schlegel, 94, of Redfield, SD, was taken to her heavenly home on Saturday, August 17, 2013 from Golden Living Center in Redfield.

Her funeral will be Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate.

Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield.

Visitation with Bernice's family present to accept condolences will be Monday from 5-7:00 p.m. with a pray service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Bernice Elizabeth was born in Highmore, SD, on April 6, 1919 to Lars and Bertha (Westhauser) Runestad. She attended Dewey Township School, south of Highmore. As a young girl she worked at National Youth Administration, and St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre. On July 13, 1947 she married the love of her life, Robert Dallas Schlegel.

Bernice dedicated her life to her husband and children, being a stay at home mother and a farm wife. She also worked at various places including a daycare for several children in Pierre. She worked at the Fort Pierre sale barn as a waitress for many years.

She was lifelong member of the Helping Hand Club in Harrold and a member of United Congregational UCC Church, Redfield. She loved to brag about her grandchildren, drinking coffee with friends and reading the newspapers. She also enjoyed (Find a Word) puzzles, memorizing and writing the State Capitals, and memorizing the county seat numbers. Her hobbies include watching "I Love Lucy", and "Home Alone" and listening to country music. She will always be remembered for her sense of humor, which has been passed down through the generations.


Bernice is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Robert of 66 years Redfield, those blessed to call her mother are Janie (Mike) Gregg of Cloquet, MN, Mavis (Don) Ludemann of Redfield, MaryKay (Terry) Jandel of Redfield, Sharon (Terry) Shantz of Redfield, Gale (Nora) Schlegel of Highmore and Debbie Peters of Killdeer, ND., she is also survived by her brother Les Runestad of Venice FL. and a sister Lou Rediger of Miller; 26 grand children, 66 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceeded in death by her parents; her daughter Patricia Ann Hayes, son and daughter-in-law, Gary (Mildred) Schlegel, son-in-law Lyn Peters, grandson J.R. Schlegel, three sisters and a brother- in-law, Hannah Runestad, Violet (Carl) Kutz, Selma Parsons; her brothers, Lyle Runestad, Arnold Runestad, and Glen Runestad;