Bernice Larson

Bernice Rebecca Larson, age 98 of Cooperstown, ND passed away Monday, August 15, 2011 at the Cooperstown Medical Center - Nursing Home in Cooperstown.

Bernice was born on June 7, 1913 to Tollef and Nora (Halvorson) Ellefson. She graduated from Aneta High School in 1930 and then attended Valley City State College. On September 14, 1931 Bernice's fondest dream came true as she became a teacher at Pilot Mound #2. She taught school for many years. On June 6, 1937 Bernice was united in marriage to Oriel T. Larson at Aneta, ND. Three children were blessed to be adopted by Bernice and Oriel; Noel Thomas in May 1948, Nancy Mae in February 1950 and Daniel Arvid in June 1953. Bernice and Oriel were blessed to live in the beautiful Sheyenne Valley for many years. Bernice was a faithful member of Ottawa Lutheran Church where she served with the ladies aid. She was a Sunday School Teacher and Sunday School Superintendent for many years. She enjoyed cross stitching, scrapbooks, taking pictures, quilting and coffee with family and friends.

Thankful for sharing in her life are her daughter Nancy (Curtis) Lyste of Sharon, ND; her son Daniel (Jerolynn) Larson of Aberdeen, SD; her granddaughter Melanie (Harley) Abrahamson of Minot, ND; her 6 grandsons Brian Lyste, Brent Lyste & Tim Lyste all of Finley, ND, Chad Larson, David (Anna) Larson & Michael Larson all of Aberdeen, SD; 2 great grandsons Jace and Giovonni and another great grandson due in October; special granddaughter to be LillyJane.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Oriel Larson ( April 18, 2000 ), son Tommy, a granddaughter, and 3 brothers Hamlin, Richard and Gordon Ellefson.

Funeral services for Bernice will be Friday, August 19, 2011 at 10:30 AM in Ottawa Lutheran Church, rural Aneta, ND. Officiating will be Pastor Dean Lyste. Organist will be Judy Rusten and soloist will be Allen Rusten. Special music will be provided by Marlin & Wanda Kay Neiss. Casketbearers will be Brian Lyste, Brent Lyste, Tim Lyste, Harley Abrahamson, Melanie Abrahamson, Chad Larson, David Larson and Michael Larson. Honorary casketbearers will be Desirae Coreson, Anna Larson and Renae Norgaard. Visitation will be Thursday, August 18, 2011 from 4 PM to 8 PM with an 8 PM prayer service in the Cooperstown Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in the Ottawa Church Cemetery.