Bernice Helen Wilharm

Friday, January 3, 2025 11:12 am

Bernice H. Wilharm, 88, of Sumner, died Monday evening, Dec. 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving children.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. Tracy Hinkel officiating. The service will be livestreamed and a link will be provided. Interment will follow at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Sumner. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at Becker & Son Funeral Home and for one hour preceding services at the Church on Tuesday. Memorials may be made in Bernice’s name to St. John Lutheran Church’s Building Improvement Project, 324 E. Washington St., Sumner, Iowa 50674 or Care Initiatives Hospice, 6915 Chancellor Dr. Ste A. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Bernice Helen was born on July 28, 1936, the daughter of Leonard and Elsie (Nuss) Mohlis at the family’s home, Dayton Township near Buck Creek, rural Sumner, Iowa. She was baptized August 9, 1936, and confirmed January 1, 1950, both at St. John Lutheran Church-Buck Creek, rural Sumner. Bernice received her education at St. John Lutheran Church-Buck Creek Parochial School. On July 31, 1955, she was united in marriage with Marvin Wilharm at St. John Lutheran Church-Buck Creek. To this union two children were born, Dale and Darla. In her early years of marriage, Bernice worked with her brother, Harold, painting and staining. Bernice was a devoted homemaker while her children were growing up, never missing any of their various activities. After her children graduated from high school, she started working in the kitchen at the Hillcrest Home, working there for many years, retiring in the mid 1990’s. Bernice and her husband, Marvin were in a card club for many years and enjoyed the lasting friendships they made. She was a long time faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner, where she was a Sunday School teacher, was involved in the Ladies Aid and volunteered to assist with other administrative tasks. Bernice was an avid gardener, and always had a large and meticulous garden. Her greatest joy was the time she spent with her family, and never missed an opportunity to attend one of her grandchildren’s activities.

Bernice is survived by her children, Dale (Diana) Wilharm of Decorah and Darla (Duane) Hildebrandt of Sumner; four grandchildren, Adam (Brianne) Hildebrandt of Urbana, Haylee (Brandon) Uhlenhopp of Sumner, Nick (Heather) Wilharm of Savannah, Georgia, and Alex (Brandon Patterson) Wilharm of Atlanta, Georgia; six great-grandchildren and one on the way, Coltin, Deklin, and Eastin Hildebrandt, and Lily, Brylee, and Maylee Uhlenhopp; sisters-in-law, Joan Wilharm of Sumner, Darlys Schulz of Sumner, and Gerry Kane of Oelwein; brother-in-law, Larry (Carol) Wilharm of Sumner; special niece, Carmen Leech of Sumner; special nephew, Mark Goodenbour of Tripoli; close friend, Jane Kroeger; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin on March 8, 1990; brother, Harold Mohlis on April 15, 1996 and Ralph (Judy, June 2, 2014) Mohlis on January 16, 1999; sister, Marlys (Cletus, February 15, 1978) Goodenbour on Dec. 22, 2016; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.