Bernice Streekstra

"Heaven gained an Angel"

Our Dear Mother, Wife, Grandma, Great Grandma and Friend passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence in the early morning hours of February 18, 2024.

Bernice Streekstra 92, was born July 17, 1931, to Richard and Sarah Stiemsma, nee, Alsum. She married Henry Streekstra on September 12, 1952, they were happily married for 71 years. They had five children, Sandy and Jerry Marwitz, Wisconsin, Helen Streekstra, Colorado, Harvey and Mae Streekstra, Florida, Renee and Russell Wilson, Florida, Eugene and Carolyn Streekstra, Montana.

Bernice is survived by her loving husband, Henry Streekstra. She was very proud of having 14 Grandkids and 13 Great Grandkids. Grandchildren; Jana Richter, Joseph Marwitz, Rachel Mast Barba, Ryan Rydquist, Shane Rydquist, Jason Rydquist, Amy Crum, Laura Mitchell, Donald Cisler, Danya Cisler, Jeff Cisler, Allison Streekstra, Matthew Streekstra and Avis Streekstra. Great Grandchildren; Makenna Richter, Max Richter, Anikah Richter, Alex Richter, Kayla Mast, Haley Barba, Carter Barba, Breanna Crum, Seth Rydquist and Mila Mitchell; further survived by two sisters-in-law, Helena Stiemsma and Judy Stiemsma.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Gerritt Stiemsma, and Raymond Stiemsma, her sisters Marjorie (Leonard) Verhulst and Dorothy (John) DeHaan; grandsons Jason Rydquist and Jeff Cisler and daughter-in-law, Mary Streekstra.

Bernice loved the Lord and attended East Friesland Christian Reformed church in Wisconsin, the First Baptist Church in Florida, the Florence Baptist church in Montana and finally the East Friesland New Covenant Church in Wisconsin. She resided in Friesland Wisconsin the majority of her life but also resided in Jacksonville Florida, Florence Montana and in Randolph Wisconsin at the time of her passing.

She lived a long fruitful life; she was a devoted mother and enjoyed so much life offered her. Knitting, crocheting and needlepoint were a love of hers, many afghans and lovingly crafted pieces were passed down to her family. She loved the outdoors, fishing was a favorite pastime, many camping trips created great memories for her family, Her and Henry traveled from Florida to the Arctic Ocean in Alaska. Many campfires were enjoyed alongside her over the years.

Along with Henry, she enjoyed canning and baking and the sweet aromas coming from her kitchen were enjoyed by all. She was an accomplished pianist and often her home was filled with the joyous melodies of gospel hymns being played by her hands. She loved and was adored by her "Annies", her dogs loved her and were constantly by her side.

Bernice had a very gentle reserved "way" about her, she was a cornerstone of love, guidance and faith. Never outspoken, never spoke a harsh word. Throughout her entire life she was a practical joker, she laughed from her the deepest parts of her soul, not an April fool’s day went by without her "getting us" in some manner, she loved to laugh. She enjoyed playing card games and relished beating us often. In her later years she battled kidney stones, multiple strokes and in the end dementia, even in hardship she combated those hardships with grace. She was our families "Rock" she will be sorely missed. Before and during her passing, even though she struggled, she gave the family her final gift. Shortly before passing, even after days in an unconscious state, in her final moments she kissed her husband goodbye, opened her eyes, and when asked if she saw Jesus she replied "YES", she then closed her eyes and entered into Heaven. What a joyous celebration that was.

Bernice and Henry read and studied scripture daily, one of her favorite scriptures was Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God. Her bible was well used and worn. She applied that faith in her life and in the raising of her family. So much more could be written about the influence she had on everyone who knew and loved her but not all words need to be spoken, she will live on forever in all our hearts and minds.

Psalms 116:15

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints, the Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die. When they arrive at the gates of death, God welcomes those who love him. The death of his faithful ones is valuable in the Lord’s sight.

We lost our "Angel" but God welcomed her home.

We will miss you Mom, but rejoice in those words.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, at East Friesland New Covenant Church, N8879 East Friesland Road, Randolph.

A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at church with Pastor Stephen Robbins officiating.