Bernice Mae Pudwill

A Mass of Christian Burial for Bernice M. Pudwill, 79 of Herreid, SD will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Herreid. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7:00 pm at the church with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Interment will be at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. Bernice died on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Avera-Eureka Health Care Center in Eureka, SD.

Bernice was born on May 3, 1946, in Mandan, North Dakota, to Henry and Frances (Gustin) Hendrickson. She grew up on the family farm southwest of Mandan and later moved with her family to Herreid, South Dakota, at the age of 16. She graduated from Herreid High School in 1964 and was a Yellowjacket through and through.
On January 8, 1966, Bernice married the love of her life, John "Buddy" Pudwill, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Herreid. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. They briefly lived in Mandan, where Bernice worked at Farm Credit Services, before returning to Herreid to make their permanent home.

Bernice devoted her life to her family. She and Buddy raised two children, Scott and Stacy, and she was a proud and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She never missed a football game or school event and was happiest when surrounded by those she loved. Bernice enjoyed cooking and baking for others, tending her garden, and helping on the family farm, where she worked tirelessly alongside her husband raising pigs and supporting their livestock operation. If Bernice made your favorite dish, you knew you were liked. She also had a special fondness for her beloved cat, Snickers, who brought her comfort and companionship. She was known for her quiet strength, strong work ethic, and generous heart.

Bernice is survived by her husband of 60 years, John "Buddy" Pudwill of Herreid; her sons, Scott Pudwill of Redfield, South Dakota, and Stacy (Patti) Pudwill of Herreid, South Dakota; her grandchildren, Cameron (Cinnamyn) Pudwill of Redfield, Taylor (Tyler) Masat, Dalton Gray of Herreid, Madison (Tanner) Waters, Justin Goetz of Anoka, Minnesota, and Gannon (Brianna) Pudwill; seven great-grandchildren; her sisters, Tillie (Romy) Weisbeck of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Linda Sobolewski of North Platte, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Hendrickson and Frances Weisbeck; her stepfather, Eddie Weisbeck; and her brother, Vernon Hendrickson.