Erna Bernice Keesey, 94, of Orfordville, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2015 at the home of her daughter, Kathy, in the town of Spring Valley, Rock County, Wisconsin, surrounded by family.
She was born September 17, 1921 in Lamont, Wisconsin, the daughter of Ernie and Ethel (Lancaster) Zimmerman.
Bernice came to Orfordville and started teaching in Hanover, in a one-room schoolhouse. She met Kenneth Keesey, the love of her life. They were married December 18, 1944, and celebrated 60 years together before Kenneth died in January 2008. They lived in Spring Valley township until 1977 when they sold the farm, and moved to Orfordville.
Bernice loved teaching, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends. She taught for fifty years, and continued to substitute for five more years.
She is survived by her brother, Irving (Margaret) Zimmerman, Darlington; daughter, Christine (Tom) Hallas of Monterey, CA, son, Richard (Maxine) Keesey of Pflugerville, TX, daughter, Kathy (Jake) Atkinson, of Brodhead, 12 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Phillip; daughter, Carolyn Saalsaa and son-in-law, Dean Saalsaa; grandson, Aaron Saalsaa; sister, Dorothy Bublitz and brother-in-law, Don Bublitz.
Funeral services will be at Orfordville Lutheran Church on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Andy Twiton officiating. Burial will be in Orfordville Lutheran Cemetery.
Friends may call at NEWCOMER-SILVERTHORN CHAPEL ON THE HILL, Hwy 11 and South Coon Island Road, on Thursday from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., and at the church on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.
She was born September 17, 1921 in Lamont, Wisconsin, the daughter of Ernie and Ethel (Lancaster) Zimmerman.
Bernice came to Orfordville and started teaching in Hanover, in a one-room schoolhouse. She met Kenneth Keesey, the love of her life. They were married December 18, 1944, and celebrated 60 years together before Kenneth died in January 2008. They lived in Spring Valley township until 1977 when they sold the farm, and moved to Orfordville.
Bernice loved teaching, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends. She taught for fifty years, and continued to substitute for five more years.
She is survived by her brother, Irving (Margaret) Zimmerman, Darlington; daughter, Christine (Tom) Hallas of Monterey, CA, son, Richard (Maxine) Keesey of Pflugerville, TX, daughter, Kathy (Jake) Atkinson, of Brodhead, 12 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Phillip; daughter, Carolyn Saalsaa and son-in-law, Dean Saalsaa; grandson, Aaron Saalsaa; sister, Dorothy Bublitz and brother-in-law, Don Bublitz.
Funeral services will be at Orfordville Lutheran Church on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Andy Twiton officiating. Burial will be in Orfordville Lutheran Cemetery.
Friends may call at NEWCOMER-SILVERTHORN CHAPEL ON THE HILL, Hwy 11 and South Coon Island Road, on Thursday from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., and at the church on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.