Bernice Koepplin was born December 2, 1928 to Edward and Katie (Roth) Koepplin. Bernice received her elementary education in a rural school near Lehr. As a young woman, she held a variety of jobs in the local area. Bernice married Walter Schlenker on June 23, 1946 at the Lehr Baptist Church. Bernice began employment at the Wishek Hospital, working in the central supply department and then as a surgical technician for 8 years. In 1967, she joined the surgical team at the Ashley Medical Center, working as a purchasing agent as well as a surgical technician for 22 years. She and Walter both retired in 1989, and traveled many different places. Bernice was a member of St. Luke's where she served on the Altar Guild, helped with Sunday morning coffee, enjoyed the Tuesday quilting group and was a member of Ruth Circle. Walter passed away in December of 2009. Bernice kept herself busy, knitting, crocheting, and tatting. She loved to cook, bake, read and work in her yard. Bernice's faith in God and love for her family were the cornerstone of her life.
Bernice died Monday, February 13, 2017 at Elim Nursing Home in Fargo, ND. She was 88 years old.
She is survived by one daughter, Vernell (Jerry) Lehr of Fargo, ND; two sons, Steve (Beth) Schlenker of Sheridan, WY and Robert (Kimberly) Schlenker of Bozeman, MT; three grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Larry Frank of Bismarck, ND; two sisters-in-law, Donna (Paul) Gall of Ashley, ND and Meta (Hardy) Heiser; her brother-in-law Dan Schlenker, St. Peter, MN, numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband, Walter Schlenker; parents; brother, Edgar and sisters, Agnes, Marjorie and Irene. Share memories and sign online guestbook at www.dahlstromfuneralservice.com. Dahlstrom Funeral Home of Wishek, ND entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers send memorials to Kalif Shriner's, Sheridan, WY, Elim Care Center, Fargo, ND and St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wishek, ND.