Bernice M. Dethlefsen Van Laningham (1927 - 2019)

VAN LANINGHAM, DETHLEFSEN, KOSTER

Posted By: Pamela Wagler (email)
Date: 8/15/2019 at 18:06:56

McDonald and Son
Funeral Home
(online submission) https://www.mcdonaldandson.com/obituary/bernice-van-laningham

Bernice Van Laningham

Mrs. Bernice Matilda Van Laningham 91, of Roswell, GA passed away peacefully on Monday, August 5th, 2019.

Bernice is survived by her loving husband Fred L. Van Laningham of Roswell, GA. Children: Nancy (Mark)Thomas; and Beverly (Jim) Pierce.

Bernice also leaves behind four grandchildren: Jennifer (Paul) Aliff, Amy (Reid) Pichard, Christopher (Cortney) Pierce, and Megan (Aaron) Heaton. Nine great grandchildren; Michael Aliff, Matthew Aliff, William Aliff, McLean Pichard, Molly Pichard, Alden Pierce, Ainsley Pierce, Ava Pierce, and Katie Grace Heaton.

She is also survived by her younger brother, Robert Dethlefsen, who lives in Ida Grove, IA. They were very close.

Bernice and Fred met when she was 16 years old and Fred was in the Navy. Upon Fred’s discharge from the Navy 2 years later they were married in Mattoon, IL. They traveled and lived in many different locations during their 73-year marriage with their final residence in Roswell, GA. They made and kept many friends during their travels, and all recall her smile and happy disposition. She loved her family and always worried and cared about each and every one. She loved gardening and her flowers. She was an artist when it came to creating beautiful pieces of counted cross stitch for every member of the family.

She will be missed by those who loved and appreciated her, but know she is with her beloved sisters, Louise, Alice and Ginny [Jenny].

A memorial service will take place at Dunwoody United Methodist Church at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Bernice’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

(Bernice was born on December 4, 1927 in Correctionville, Iowa to Charles and Augusta Koster Dethlefsen.)