She was a very active volunteer throughout her life. Berniece was named Steele County Citizen of the Year in 2001. She was a member of First Lutheran Church where she had been very involved over the years. She taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent, started the pillow cleaning and used a bit shop among other church activities. Berniece was a life member of the Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary and a 50 year member of the Eastern Star.
Berniece is survived by daughter, Linda (and Jack) Beaird of Golden Valley; grandchildren, Katherine (and Rob) Rooks of Wellsley, CT, Joe (and Luci) Beaird of New York, NY, Albi Beaird and Bazil "Joey" Beaird all of Golden Valley; 2 great grandchildren, Marlin and Connor and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; grandson, Michael Beaird; 5 brothers; 2 sisters.
Visitation will be at First Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 20 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church with Reverend Charles Leonard officiating. Interment will be in the First Lutheran-Westfield Cemetery, Blooming Prairie.