Hi Loann! Remembering my friend today. Hope you are ok!.  Norma

Bernice was a Grand Lady and I still think of her in my prayers.  It is still hard to believe she is gone.  God bless and watch over her and Theodor.

We are Barry and Nancy Schafer of Calvin/rock lake nd area. We knew your parents well, we winter in Maricopa Az and so enjoyed going g to visit Ted and  Bernice and in later years Bernice. They were wonderful wonderful people

I met Bernice in 2019 when she came to see me for Physical Therapy.  I got to know her better over the last few years as she would come and see me to help her keep moving and get stronger. She was always a pleasure to work with and talk to. She was full of love for her family, wisdom, strongly devoted to education and  loved watching her sports. Heaven gained an angel. I feel blessed to have know her.

Remembering our times together at Cando United Methodist Church, and keeping in touch over the years. Our visits in AZ each winter with your folks were special indeed. Your mothers faith was  so strong, and I was so amazed she could take over in the pulpit for Ted. A special friend to Bob and I. The Raths have a special place in my heart always. See you all on Friday
Sincerely
Norma

Mrs. Rath was my 1st grade teacher.  She was kind and passionate about her work.  I think of her often as I am now a para in our school in the very same room she taught me.  I always admired & respected her for all her kindness and hard work

My Aunt Bernice’s laugh rings fondly in my ears and will remain in my heart always. She was fun-loving, eager to play games and the first to “howl with laughter” when one of us made a silly faux pas - good naturedly, of course! She was amazingly relaxed about feeding  the California relatives, and she wreaked havoc on the kitchen while doing so!! When we attempted to clean up, she would exclaim, “Ach, just leave it - I’ll get it in the morning!!” Few women reject help clearing that level of MESS. We had to commence with the hose down and persistently tune her out!
Aunt Bernice could increase your weight by 7 pounds over a 3 day stay. Her German specialties like fleisch kechla, knepfla, strudels, thin pancakes and her homemade caramel rolls were the absolute best, bar none. I often headed home legitimately  feeling like the dough balls I had just over-indulged in!! But the caloric onslaught and dreaded, tearful goodbyes when leaving were a small price to pay for the warmth and joy gained in visiting her. She had a kind soul that touched everyone and her lilting North Dakota accent grabbed you from the get go! She will be deeply, forever missed but just as equally and dearly, forever remembered. May she Rest In Peace and revel in catching  Uncle Ted up on all the latest. My sincerest condolences for your unimaginable loss.  
Darsha & family 🌹♥️🌹

Bernice and i  were next door neighbors in Wernli Hall at Westmar College, LeMars Iowa and - - -WOW what fun memories  !!!!   Our distance from where they were assigned to serve in ND and our teaching positions i MN  had a lot of mile betwern but on rare occcasions we were able to host or share time at Westmar reunions. So many fun memories to hang onto forever!!!    Sending our sincere sympathy to each of here family - - hang on dearly to all your good meories of Bernnice  even with the empty chair !!!!!
Kenneth and Belva Senst 
Pipestone, MN  

While I’ve only known Bernice for a little over 2 years (and much of that was interrupted by the pandemic) she’s always been the kindest, warmest, most thoughtful woman it’s been my pleasure to know.  I cleaned her house, helped with laundry, picked up her mail and anything she needed help with.  I looked forward to my time with her and she is missed.  God will watch over her.

OBITUARY

Bernice V Rath

March 20, 1933 – May 22, 2021

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery

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