Bernice Stolz - 1977

Bernice Blanch Brown, child of William Brown and Cordelia Brown, nee Schoof, was born on April 12, 1899, in Houtzdale, Pa.  Following the death of her father in a mine accident, Bernice lived with her grandmother. In her teen-age years, Bernice came to Allison, Kan., near Jennings, and made her home with her second cousin, Pearl Randolph and wife Minnie.  About the age of 18, Bernice went to Stratton, where she was employed as a cook in a local cafe.  It was here she met Frank H. Stolz and they were married in the home of the late Judge King on Feb. 25, 1919 in Burlington.  They made their home northwest of Bethune until frank's death in 1954.  To this union five children were born, of whom four survive.  Following their marrige [sic], Bernice was instructed in the Christian faith by Pastor Otto Kloeckner.  She was baptized and confirmed at the family home and remained active in her church and its activities until her passing.

After her husband's death, Bernice moved to Burlington and took employment at the Montexuma Hotel, the Black Stallion and the Burlington public schools.  After retirement, Bernice spent hours sewing for the underprivileged and needy and donated her time to those in need.  She was active in the Burlington American Legion Auxiliary and held the office of chaplain.  In her church , she was active in the Ladies Aid, the Women's Missionary Fellowship and later the American Lutheran Church Women.  Her hobbies were sewing and gardening.  She enjoyed sewing quilts for Lutheran World Relief and giving flowers to those who enjoyed them.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and an infant daughter.  Those who survive are 2 daughters, Mrs. Albert (Esther) Schlichenmayer of Wray; Mrs. Carl W. (Blanche) Beckstrom of Burlington; 2 sons, William F. (Bud) Stolz of Burlington; and Rev. Henry G. Stolz of Blair, Neb.;  2 sons-in-law, 2 daughters-in-law; 5 grandsons and 3 granddaughters and 4 great grandsons.  Also surviving are three sisters, Erma, Ida and Frances and several half-brothers and half-sisters, as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Bethune on Monday, June 20, at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Howard Jacobson officiated the service.  The men's choir sang "Beyond the Sunset" and "Old Rugged Cross" accompanied by Karen Ziegler.  Casket bearers were Keith Stolz, Kent Stolz, Darwin Stolz, Sindney Stolz, Vernon Beckstrom and Lyle Walters.  Interment was made in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetry.  At the time of her passing on Friday, June 17, Bernice had reached the age of 78 years, 2 months and 5 days.