Bernice Anna Christopherson

Bernice Anna (Gerth) Christopherson, 85, departed this life peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, July 16, 2016.

She was born on the family farm Oct. 8, 1930. After attending a one room school for grade school, she attended Aggie High School and then Menomonie High School, where she graduated in 1949. She married Philip Christopherson June 18, 1953. In 1954, she and Philip moved from Menomonie to Eau Claire. In 1960, they moved to the farm in Menomonie, where they lived until they moved to Elk Mound in 1974. She worked as a telephone operator, nurse's aide, cleaned houses, babysat, did laundry, in addition to raising her five children.

Bernice had a genuine love of people and inspired others through her deep faith. She was always giving and putting others needs before her own. Visitors were always welcome and you would be guaranteed a great lunch, served on special dishes, and no one left hungry. She had a special love for all the confirmation kids and assisted with the classes every week for many years, along with baking numerous goodies each week because she was sure the kids would be hungry after school. Throughout her life she cared for the elderly, disabled and family members.

She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with pictures to share. Bernice wrote in her diary every day for most of her adult life, outlining the big and small events of the day, with the weather pasted in from the paper. Her Shepherd of the Hill church family and Women's Connection were very important to her and she couldn't wait for the next service or meeting.

Bernice enjoyed doing embroidery, helping make quilts at the church, and assisting with the Bible study. She also enjoyed playing cards, reading "real" stories about people's lives, not fiction. She enjoyed going to thrift sales and was an avid Brewer's fan, always believing that they would win. She loved to cook and bake and Bernice's homemade buns were legendary. Of all God's creations, she particularly loved butterflies, rainbows, hummingbirds and angels.

As Bernice got older, she was thankful for all the assistance the family provided when she needed it. She will be deeply missed by all those she left behind.

Survived by for children, Diane Christopherson of Minnetrista, Minn., Kathy Christopherson of Elk Mound, Laurie (Rod) Pichler of Elk Mound, Steve Christopherson of Elk Mound; three grandchildren, Sarah (Nathan) Cravey of Chippewa Falls, Andrew Berger of Eau Claire, Emily Pichler of Elk Mound; great-grandchildren, Grant Cravey, Grace Cravey, Jackson Cravey; brothers, Walter Gerth, Lawrence (Ruth) Gerth; sisters-in-law, Shirley Christopherson, Sandy Gerth; brother-in-law, Dan Kahl. She is also survived by special nieces and nephews, O'Flanigans, Nowak's, Mickelson's, Christopherson's, as well as many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and other special friends.

Preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Anna (Heller) Gerth; husband, Philip Christopherson (July 31, 1998); daughter, Susan Berger (July 17, 2014); grandson, Michael Christopherson (March 10,1989); brother, Arnold Gerth; sister, Dorothy Gerth; and many other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and special friends.

Bernice's homecoming celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church, 207 University St., Elk Mound, Wis., with Pastor Mary Eide officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. Private burial will take place at Christ Lutheran/Halvorson Cemetery in Menomonie.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be distributed to Bernice's favorite charities.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com.