Hazel Bernice McPherran-Bern 1925 - 2022

MCPHERRAN, BERN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 12/21/2024 at 14:45:29

Sioux City Journal
12 October 2024

Hazel Bernice McPherran-Bern

November 20, 1925 - June 5, 2022

Being a gracious giver, Hazel donated her body to science, helping nurses, doctors and EMT's to enhance their skills. Many cards of thanks were sent to her daughter, Sheryl, regarding her donation. She was cremated and is returning home to Sioux City for her burial.

Hazel passed away peacefully on June 5, 2022, at her daughter's home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Born on Nov. 20, 1925, in Ponca, Nebraska, Hazel dedicated her life to her home, husband and two daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Hazel's greatest joy came from spending time antiquing and volunteering for the Goodwill Auxiliary, which she did for over 30 years. One of her proudest moments was when she placed in the top four of the first ever Sioux City Sue Contest, made popular after the song of the same name. Hazel grew up in Wayne, Nebraska with 13 siblings. She moved to Sioux City to work for the Runge family as a nanny and Woolworth's as the photo shop girl. She then worked for First National Bank and Dr. James Reeder, as a bookkeeper. She met Marvin Bern, a WWII navy vet and employed by Midwest Gas for 35 years. They enjoyed 55 years together until his passing in 2003.

She is survived by her daughters Sheryl Anne Martinson Long and Tracey Bern Welch, son-in-law Gregory Welch, her three grandchildren, Matthew Martinson, Kalen, and Kenna Welch and three great grandchildren, Izley Bryn, Parker, and Mason Welch. A memorial service will be Sat. Oct 12 at Graceland Cemetery Chapel at 1:30 p.m. with a reception from 3-6 at the Hampton Inn, 5555 Sergeant Rd.