Bernice Minnema

Bernice Minnema, age 88 of Randolph, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at the Golden Years Living Center – Continental Manor, surrounded by her family.

Bernice was born on February 18, 1921 in Dodge County, a daughter to Henry and Winnie (Syens) Dykstra. She attended local schools and graduated with the Class of 1938 from Randolph High School. On April 22, 1940, she was united in marriage to William Minnema in Randolph. They moved to California where William worked for a dairy operation. In 1946, the family relocated to the family farm in the Randolph area where Bernice excelled in her role as farm wife and mother. She was formerly employed in the local restaurant and also worked seasonally for the Canning Factory. She was an incredible cook, an avid gardener, and had a great love for her family. As a longtime member of the First Reformed Church of Randolph, Bernice was active in the Ladies Auxiliary, taught Sunday School, and sang in the Choir.

Bernice is survived by seven children, Howard (Evelyn) Minnema, Waupun; William (Teresa) Minnema, Fox Lake; James Minnema, Madison; Warren (Joni) Minnema, Park Falls, WI; Wanda Listau, Randolph; Diane (Gary) Moldenhauer, Randolph; and Daniel Minnema and his special friend Becky, of Janesville. She is blessed with thirty-three grandchildren; sixty-two great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1997; her parents, her daughter Charlene Paul; a grandson, Jeremy in infancy; two sons-in-law, Richard Paul and Wally Listau; four brothers and four sisters.

A Service to Celebrate Bernice’s Life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2009 at First Reformed Church, 406 South High Street, Randolph with the Rev. Donald Boss officiating. Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

A memorial fund has been established for the Randolph Christian School, 457 Second Street; and the First Reformed Church of Randolph.