Bernice Mary Ann (Lensing) Walker passed away May 20, 2022, at the Algona Manor Care Center at the age of 96 following a brief illness. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday at 10:00 AM at Divine Mercy Parish — St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Whittemore with Father Matthew Solyntjes officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Whittemore. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Tuesday at Divine Mercy Parish — St. Michael’s Catholic Parish Hall in Whittemore. The services will be live streamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services’ Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/oakcrestfuneralservices/ In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 411 2nd St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.
Bernice was born March 31, 1926, in Bancroft, Iowa to Henry and Emma (Vaske) Lensing. Bernice was the oldest of 11 children and spent her time helping on the farm, milking cows, and taking care of her younger siblings. She attended St. John’s Catholic School in Bancroft.
Bernice was united in marriage to Vern Thomas Walker on April 6, 1948, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Bancroft, Iowa. She was a member of St. Michael’s Church, Whittemore, and a member of Rosary Society and CDA. Recently, she received her 70th year CDA pin.
Bernice and Vern lived on and farmed the Walker family century farm west of Algona. Bernice enjoyed farm life, raised chickens, and sold eggs to the neighbors. She was well known for her huge garden and sharing its bounty with family and friends. The highlight of her year was the Kossuth County Fair where she exhibited garden produce and many handmade projects and won grand champion several times for her jams and hand embroidered dish towels. She enjoyed her years working for Funk’s Research and Pioneer. Bernice was also known in the community as the “pizza lady” at Hy-Vee.
Bernice is survived by her five children: Janis Bierstedt (George) of Algona; Jim (Madeleine) Walker of Nevada; Sue (Dave) Runyan of Cresco; Dr. Sheri (Denny) Pentecost of Coppell, TX; and John Walker of Algona; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren: Mark (Carol) Eischeid of Algona; Steve Eischeid and children Seth and Jordan of Algona; Matt (Jill) Walker and children Michael, Julia, and James of Independence, MN; Eric (April) Walker and children Brecken, Madiana, and Gretchen of Eden Prairie, MN; Alyse (Nathan Langreck) Simiele and children Landon, Tristan, and Caiden Simiele and Adeline Langreck of Cresco; Dan Runyan of Cresco; Dr. Craig Runyan of Waukesha, WI; Sarah (Ed) Smith and children Cambry, Tristen, and Elizabeth of Coppell, TX; and Alexis Pentecost of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by two sisters Carrie (Warren) Phillips and Kathy (Bill) Jackson; one brother John (Arlene) Lensing and two sisters-in-law Cathy Lensing and Susan Lensing and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Bernice is preceded in death by her husband, Vern; parents, Henry and Emma Lensing; two sisters, Inez Lensing and JoAnn Hatten; five brothers, Bob Lensing, Jim Lensing, Chuck Lensing, Vince Lensing, and Bill Lensing.
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