Bernice A. Hellmer

Bernice A. Hellmer, aged 86, of rural Marysville, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at Cambridge Place in Marysville.

To honor her memory, her family held a visitation on Thursday, January 9, from 2-8 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary, with a special time for friends and family from 5-7 p.m. 

A funeral service celebrating Bernice's life was held on Friday, January 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel (State Line) Lutheran Church, located north of Marysville.  Following the service, she was laid to rest in the church cemetery.

Born on August 7, 1938, in Odell, Nebraska, Bernice was the daughter of Ralph Henry and Minnie (Gephard) Poppen. She married Ralph A. Hellmer on June 7, 1959, at Immanuel (State Line) Lutheran Church.

Bernice dedicated part of her life to serving her community as a secretary at the Clerk of District Court and Register of Deeds offices within the Marshall County Courthouse. Her passion for music was evident; she played the organ and served as the choir director at her church, and occasionally shared her vocal talents with a country band at local events.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph on October 29, 2016, parents, two daughters—infant Colleen Hellmer and Diane Griffiths—and brother, Alwin Poppen.

Bernice is survived by her son, Terry (Cammie) Hellmer of Beatrice, NE; son-in-law, Jay Griffiths of Fremont, NE; five grandchildren; and five great-granddaughters: Marshall Oden; Hunter Hellmer; Skyler Hellmer and fiancé Klarissa Norris; Jayme (Adam) Bieker and their children Ellie and Addie; and Erin (Connor) Niehaus and their children Blakely, Brynlee, and Collins.

A memorial fund has been established in her name to benefit Immanuel (State Line) Lutheran Church. Contributions may be sent care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.