Visitation: Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service.
Service: Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 26, 2024 at West Prairie Lutheran Church, Lennox, SD.
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Bernice Arline Sweeter, age 101 ½ , died Saturday, May 18, 2024 surrounded by her family at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 26, 2024 at West Prairie Lutheran Church, Lennox, SD. Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service.
Bernice Larson was born on November 18, 1922 to Odin and Maggie (Hagemeyer) Larson in Lincoln County, SD. She lived with her parents in the Lennox and Davis areas until 1935 when they moved to the Hurley vicinity. She graduated from Hurley High School.
Bernice was united in marriage to Elmer Sweeter on April 17, 1943. She lived in Oregon and Washington while Elmer was in the service stateside but came back to Hurley while he was deployed overseas during WWII. When Elmer returned, they farmed south of Worthing and then moved to a farm east of Worthing. In 1984 they moved to Canton.
In addition to raising her family, Bernice was employed at the Lincoln County Courthouse for several years before retiring in 1989.
Bernice was baptized and became a confirmed member of West Prairie Lutheran Church. She was active in ALCW and Mirian Circle for many years until her health kept her from driving.
Bernice is survived by her 3 daughters, Barb (Woody) Schroder, Sherrlyn Garrow, and Karla Hill; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Helen Sweeter and Dorothy Van Bockern; along with several very special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; parents, Odin and Maggie Larson; sisters, Orella Anderson and Alta Jensen; son, Garland Sweeter; son-in-law, Lowell Garrow; and grandson, Chad Garrow.
Bernice was one of the sweetest ladies. I just loved visiting with her. Thinking of all her family at this difficult time.
Peace & comfort to the Sweeter’s during this time.
MY SINCERE SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS FOR ALL OF BERNICES FAMILY.
Bernice was a one of a kind, grand lady! We so enjoyed visiting with her in her days of being able to attend church and later through cards . She will truly be missed, but lived a full life!! Our deepest sympathies
I didn’t meet Bernice, but her grandson, Ryan, is one of the best people I have ever met. She must have been an awesome person to have shaped such a good man. I hope God brings him and her entire family love and strength in this tough time. Blessings to you all and for Bernice.
How I admired and loved Aunt Bernice. She didn’t miss a beat when it came to hosting a coffee party. Did I mention she could text at 101!! It wasn’t just coffee but the history she could relate that sent me home smiling and wishing I could learn more. A tea towel or a scrubby was a must to take along. Love and hug your elders as they are a gift.
hello Sherrlyn, my sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your mother
Thank you.
So sorry to hear about your loss
Our deepest sympathy to all the families. She was a very special cousin.
Prayers for all of Bernice’s family. Bernice worked with my mother in the auditors office est. 30yrs what one didn’t know or do the other did. Elections ran smoothly everyone worked and Elmer doing ballot boxes. Then there was Tuesday coffee bunch, later when Bernice could not come she when mail Helen a note explain why and anything else she may know of interest.. She will truly be missed for her kindness, wisdom and professionalism. Now coffee has a new place and they are all enjoying it .
Our deepest sympathies to the Sweeter family. I’m so glad that she got to meet our great-grandson Quentin. She will be missed by many. Prayers to you all.
My sympathy to her daughters and family. Aunt Bernice and I have been texting on fb for several years. She was a sincere lady and so proud of her family. God bless and you are all in our prayers.
Sweeter family, so sorry for your loss. After mom passed (LaVonne Hoeft), I enjoyed our email updates on family. I’ll miss those.