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Bernice L. Baumgartner, 95, of Mitchell, SD entered the joy of eternal life in God's glorious kingdom, because of her faith in Jesus Christ, Saturday, July 29, 2023. She died peacefully at home with her daughter, Laurel, and Son-in-law, Randy, at her side.  She had been under the care of the Avera@home Hospice program since May.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, SD on August 11, 2023, officiated by Pastor Daniel Grimmer of Zion Lutheran Church. It will begin with visitation at 1:00 pm, followed by the service at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place immediately afterwards at the Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery.

Bernice was born to Malcom and Eleonora (Dzuck) Kriel in Duluth, MN on December 17, 1927. She had one sibling, Wilmer Kriel. She attended Morgan Park High School in Duluth and graduated from the University of Minnesota – Duluth where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in education.

She served as a teacher for one year in Duluth and as a Title 1 Educational Assistant for 25 years in the Richfield School District.  She retired in 1997.

She met the love of her life, William (Bill) Baumgartner, at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Duluth and they were married there on July 29, 1950. She left this life on her 73rd wedding anniversary. Bill entered his eternal home on October 18, 2022.

Bill and Bernice lived in Minneapolis for 3 years and 62 years in Richfield, MN. Selling their home in 2015, they moved to Mitchell, SD to live with their daughter Laurel Hartwig and her husband Randy.

She was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Richfield, MN for over 60 years and a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell since their move.

Bernice had a wonderful, rewarding life raising her 4 children. She also was involved in many endeavors. She was a member of the Ladies Guild at Mt. Calvary and sang in the church choir. Worshipping God was truly a passion. She belonged to the Richfield Garden Club and a sewing club. She sewed amazing clothing for her family throughout her life. Those who wore these creations were envied by those who saw them.

She also liked to do embroidery and cross stitch projects. She was an avid reader, loved assembling puzzles, and attending many activities with her family, especially the many camping trips they made together. She frequently attended outdoor concerts in the park. She also participated in the "Mop Head Band", a group of older women who performed music in nursing homes and other gatherings. In Mitchell, she was a member of the James Valley Community Center, doing exercises, assembling puzzles, and sharing lunch with local friends.

Bernice is survived by her children: Laurel (Randy) Hartwig of Mitchell, SD; Marion (Ron) Barron of Dallas, TX; David Baumgartner of Kittery Point, ME, and Daniel (Sonja VanGuilder) Baumgartner of Hudson, WI; 2 grandchildren: Elijah Baumgartner of Minneapolis, MN and Isaiah Baumgartner of Eau Claire, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, brother Wilmer Kriel and a grandson Jonah Baumgartner.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Avera Home Hospice or Zion Lutheran Church.