Bernice Pauline Penkert

Obituary

Bernice Pauline (Schutt) Penkert was born October 16, 1921, in Hutchinson, Minnesota, the daughter of Herman and Agnes (Doll) Schutt. She was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Bernice grew up in Hutchinson where she received her education. Following graduation from the Hutchinson High School, she studied art for a year.

On April 6, 1944, Bernice entered service in the United States Navy. She served during World War II at Camp Pendleton as a dental hygienist. Among her many duties, she assisted in surgeries performed on wounded soldiers. Having reached the rank of Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class, Bernice was honorably discharged on January 14, 1946.  Shen then returned to Hutchinson.

While married to Dr. R. A. Penkert, Bernice raised five boys, Dennis, Richard, David, Jon, and Teeri. They were her passion and joy. They loved spending time at the family lake home on Lake Florida near Spicer, where the boys could swim and fish.

In the early years of their marriage, Bernice and Doc enjoyed golfing. Their growing family took more of her time, but Bernice remained very active. She was very athletic in High School, and was diligent in staying healthy. She still enjoyed riding her bicycle around Hector until she moved to Buffalo Lake in 2009. Bernice was also a great cook. One of her favorite hobbies was painting, and her finished works are now family treasures.

Bernice was a member of the United Methodist Church in Hector, where she had been active with the U.M.W.

Early Wednesday morning, December 20, 2017, Bernice passed away at the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center, having reached the age of 96 years, 2 months, 4 days. Blessed be her memory.

Bernice is survived by her:

Sons: Rich Penkert and his wife Sue of Bird Island, Minnesota,
            David Penkert and his wife Lucy of Hector, Minnesota,
            Jon Penkert and his wife Carolyn of Waxahachie, Texas,
            Teeri Penkert and his wife Ronnie of Minneapolis, Minnesota,
            Dennis Penkert and his family;

many Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren;

other relatives, and friends.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, infant twin sister Beatrice, brother Lutenis “Bud,” sisters Evelyn and Augustine “Sis,” and her former husband, Doc Penkert.