Bernice A Manderfeld

Bernice was born August 14, 1926, to Carl and Loretta Schumacher in rural Sleepy Eye, MN. She was the eldest of six children. Bernice attended country school through the eighth grade and then helped her mother raise her siblings and manage life on the farm. Upon turning eighteen, she moved to Springfield to live with family and begin a lifelong career at Tauer’s Super Valu. She married James Manderfeld on June 9, 1948, and they made their home in Springfield, where they raised six children.

Bernice was a familiar face at Tauer’s Super Valu for roughly half a century, the only employee to work for three generations of Tauers. She was an avid bowler, active in league bowling for over 50 years, until she could no longer do so. Bernice was a diehard Twins fan. She was thrilled to be able to attend a Twins game at Target Field during its inaugural season. She loved to work in her flower and vegetable gardens and enjoyed bird watching in her yard. Bernice supported her husband as bookkeeper for his cabinet business and was an active member of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church and their Thrift Store committee, as well as the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She practiced her faith and was a true believer in the power of prayer.

When her children were grown, she returned to school to earn her high school diploma and was immensely proud of her accomplishment. Bernice loved to be around people, doted on her children and grandchildren, and was an amazing cook and baker. She was a lover of music and she enjoyed dancing. Bernice lived in Springfield until her move to assisted living in Minnetonka to be closer to family in May 2019.

During her 4 years at Amira Choice of Minnetonka, she made many friends. She enjoyed games, especially bingo, music, chaplain visits and time outside on the garden patio. She was so committed to the Twins that she would often miss meals to watch games. She survived a bout with COVID in late 2020 and came back strong as ever.

Bernice A. Manderfeld, 96, formerly of Springfield, passed away peacefully in her home in Minnetonka on Friday, March 31.

Bernice is survived by six children: Loren (Carol) of Bloomington, Janet (Bob) Erickson of Bloomington, Vince (Nancy) of St. Augusta, Becky (Don) Waskosky of Mankato, David of Champlin and Barb (Ray) Wagman of Emily; eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; one great, great grandchild; one brother, Jim Schumacher; and three sisters-in-law,  as well as many relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Jim, her parents and four siblings.

Bernice was a kind, thoughtful and loving person who is remembered fondly by many. Her family would like to send a special thank you to the amazing staff at Amira Choice of Minnetonka who were family to her for 4 years. Also, a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Grace Hospice who helped her through the final two weeks of her life.