Bernice A. Baumetz

Obituary

Bernice Agnes Baumetz was born on October 2, 1934, in Lester Prairie, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Walter and Erna (Strei) Westermann. Bernice was baptized as an infant on October 14, 1934, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on March 21, 1948, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. She received her education in Lester Prairie, and was a graduate of the Lester Prairie High School Class of 1952.

On May 31, 1953, Bernice was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” H. Baumetz at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. This marriage was blessed with four children, Steven, Cindy, Denise and Keith. Bernice and Dick resided in Hutchinson, Minnesota, since 1953. They shared 68 years of marriage before the passing of Dick on August 13, 2021.

While in high school, Bernice worked at the drug store in Lester Prairie. She was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. Bernice was also employed as a bookkeeper for National Foods, Econo Foods, and then the Farmers Elevator in Hutchinson. Bernice was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church. She was also a member of Church Choir, Quilting Group, and United Methodist Women’s Group. Bernice served as the Kitchen Chair for Bethlehem United Methodist Church. She also served as the Treasurer for Lynn Township for many years.

Bernice enjoyed baking, canning, going to family reunions, and traveling. She also enjoyed family camping trips, swimming, and boating. After their retirement, Bernice and Dick parked a trailer up on the Horseshoe chain and looked forward to going there every weekend they could. Bernice especially enjoyed coffee parties and spending time with her family, grandchildren, and friends.

Bernice passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Harmony River Living Center, at the age of 88 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Bernice is survived by her:
Children, Steven Baumetz and his wife, Kay of Hutchinson, MN,
Cindy Piehl and her husband, Dick, of Hutchinson, MN,
Denise Bulman and her husband, Ned of Sioux Falls, SD,
Keith Baumetz of Napa, CA;
Grandchildren, Sonia Koval and her husband, Mitchell, Sara Forbes and her husband, Michael, Gary Baumetz
and his wife, Amy, Jamie Linenberger and her husband, Michael, Holly Oestreich and her husband, Kevin, Erin Kittila and her husband, Timothy, and Ellie Matthews and her husband, Oliver;
Sixteen Great-grandchildren;
Sister, LaVonne Schimmelpfennig and her husband Norman;
Sister-in-law, Beverly Baumetz;
Many other relatives and friends.

Bernice is preceded in death by her Parents, Walter Westermann; Mother, Erna Ristow; Step-father, Edwin Ristow; Husband, Dick Baumetz; Brother, Marvin Westermann and his wife, Elda; Sister, Donna Mae Rozmarynowski and her husband, Robert; Brother-in-law, Donald Baumetz.