Bernice Gray

Bernice Mary Gray, 97, of Butterfield, Minnesota, died on April 15, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Saint James. Our hearts are crushed but she is with the Lord.

A private family burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Bernice was born October 25, 1927, to William and Rosella (Kirthen) Marquardt in Willmar, Minnesota. She attended school in the Willmar area. Bernice worked in a few different food processing plants in Willmar and Fairmont, and then worked at Butterfield Foods for 27 years, where she made many friends and also made Butterfield her home.

Bernice had a daughter, Janice born April 7, 1956. Janice was  her world and was suddenly taken from her on July 10, 1980. She married Allen Gray on March 29, 1970. Allen passed away in 2001. On June 29, 2021, Bernice married Charles Dettman. Together, they enjoyed traveling and visiting friends.

Bernice was a feisty lady with a  generous heart. In her free time, she loved to crochet baby blankets and spent hours embroidering pillowcases and towels, always with someone else in mind. Her hands were rarely still, always

busy creating something beautiful to give away. She also enjoyed her flowers around her home.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Charles Dettmann. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Janice Welch Berndt in 1980; husband, Allen in 2001; and her parents.

Bernice will be buried at Clover Leaf Memorial Park in Willmar, Minnesota next to her daughter, husband Al, and her parents.