Bernice E. Welp

Bernice E. Welp, age 88, of Storm Lake, Iowa died July 24, 2017 at her home in Storm Lake. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 28, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Bernice E. Schmidt was born February 26, 1929 in Cherokee County the daughter of Herman and Betty (Janssen) Schmidt. Growing up, she attended school in Aurelia where she graduated from Aurelia High School in 1948. While attending high school, Bernice was a member of Future Homemakers of America, Glee Club and Operetta. Bernice was united in marriage to John W. Matthews. Together, they were blessed with three children: Jerry, Julie and Bonnie. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake where she was baptized in 1965. Years ago, Bernice was involved with Catholic Daughters of America. On July 3, 1965, Bernice was united in marriage to Eugene J. Welp at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Bernice enjoyed morning coffee and breakfast with many friends, especially Naomi Shaeffer, at the Pantry in Storm Lake. Sunday breakfast at Lakeshore Café in Storm Lake with family was very important to Bernice and she treasured making many memories there. She also enjoyed going to supper every Friday evening with her friend, Betty Nordine of Early. Christmas was Bernice’s favorite holiday that she spent with her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, knitting, reading and doing crafts. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Jerry (Kathy) Matthews of Storm Lake, Iowa; Julie (Kevin) Dreher of Lakeside, Iowa; Bonnie (Scott) Bonebrake of Early, Iowa; grandchildren: Theresa (Travis) Hoffpauir of Des Moines, Iowa; Joshua (Melissa) Matthews of Norfolk, Nebraska; Jeffrey (Dr. Lisa) Matthews of Alta, Iowa; Lindsey (Heath) Stille of Lakeside, Iowa; Keaton Dreher of West Des Moines, Iowa; Ryan Bonebrake of Bangkok, Thailand; Collin Bonebrake of Early, Iowa; April (Chris) Auten of Jefferson, Iowa; great grandchildren: Oliver D. Matthews, Savannah Auten, Brooklyn R. Yeager, and Greyson G. Stille; extended family and many friends. Bernice was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Beverly Ann Matthews; parents, Herman and Betty Schmidt; and her husband, Eugene J. Welp.

Bernice E. Welp

February 26, 1929 - July 24, 2017