Bernice L. (Watkins) KOESTLER

WATKINS, KOESTLER, MCCORMICK, JOOS, BEENKEN, ANDERSON, FUNNEMARK, HARTZELL, ROTHLISBERGER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/10/2012 at 16:01:42

March 15, 1907 --- August 10, 2002

LeSUEUR, MN - A former Algona area woman, Bernice L. Koestler, 95, died August 10 (2002), in the Southview Acres Health Care Center at West St. Paul, MN. Funeral service for her was held Tuesday, August 13, in the United Methodist Church at LeSueur with the Rev. William N. Kerr officiating. Burial was in the Highland Home Cemetery at Ledyard, the Kolden Funeral Home of LeSueur in charge of arrangements.

Bernice L. Watkins, daughter of Louis and Grace McCormick Watkins, was born March 15, 1907 at Eagle Grove, IA. She attended country school and graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1924. Bernice was married to Everyl Koestler on May 16, 1925 at Algona. The family farmed in Kossuth County for 27 years before moving in 1952 to a farm west of LeSueur, MN. They farmed there for 10 years, then retired and moved into LeSueur.

Bernice worked in the dietary department of the hospital for 17 years, acquiring many friends and lasting memories. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Friendship Circle, the Garden Club and the Over Sixty Club. Her husband, Everyl, died in 1987.

Bernice is survived by a son and five daughters, Marlyn, Arlington, MN; LaVonne Joos, Titonka; Jean and Orville Beenken, Buckingham, IA; Margery and Howard Funnemark, Wesley; Dolores Anderson, Portland, OR and Beverly and George Hartzell, West St. Paul. There are 21 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, three sons, Duane, John and Larry; a daughter, Sharon Rothlisberger; a grandson, Keith Koestler; her parents, two brothers, Howard and Claire Watkins and a son-in-law, Donald Joos.