Berniece Frost

Berniece L. Baum Frost, 82 years old of Gettysburg, SD passed away Friday, January 26, 2007 surrounded by her loving family.

Memorial services were held at the Lebanon Auditorium on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 1:00 pm. with a luncheon to follow.

Berniece was born October 12, 1924 to John and Emilie Umiker on a farm south of Lebanon, SD. She attended Roy School for her eight years of elementary education and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1942. She was baptized and confirmed in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church and was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church in Lebanon, SD. Berniece served as Secretary-Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, and member of Christ Lutheran Ladies Aide for many years; holding various offices.

Berniece was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Hoven and Lebanon, SD. She held various offices in the Lebanon Unit, was District Alternate President for two years, and State Chaplain for one year. She was a member of the VFW Post in Gettysburg, SD, and a member of the Blue Blanket Senior Center in Hoven, SD.

During WWII, Berniece worked at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA. She was a cook at The Wonder Inn in Lebanon, at the Fire House Lounge in Gettysburg, and was the Head Cook of the Senior Nutrition Program in Hoven for 20 years. She also held the position of Town Board Clerk in Lebanon.

Berniece married Alfred Baum on February 12, 1946 and worked in their family business, Baum Implement of Lebanon. The Baum’s had one son and two daughters.

Bernice had a giving soul and a heart as big as the sky. She enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, gardening, crafts, bird watching, and computer games. She also found a great deal of pleasure in her pets, Angel her Toy Poodle, Freebie her Quaker Parrot, and Spike her Cockatiel.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Anthony (Tony) Frost of Gettysburg, SD, her two daughters, Darlene (Dave) Niederberger of Bremerton, WA, Aleta (Phil) Goebel of Gettysburg, SD, and daughter-in-law Linda (Doug) Ekberg of Hamill, SD. Her ten stepchildren are Victor Frost of Hoven, SD, Virgil (Cindy) Frost of Martinsburg, PA, Richard Frost of Billings, MT, Maxine (Gary) Urban of Presho, SD, Maureen Frost of Pierre, SD, Colleen Frost of Pierre, SD, Lila Rivera of Pierre, SD, Rita (Dave) Kohl of Erlange, KY, Paul (Tammy) Frost of Mitchell, SD, and James (Theresa) Frost of Highmore, SD. Berniece is also survived by six grandchildren, fourteen step-grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Berniece was preceded in death by her parents, John and Emillie Umiker, husband Alfred Baum, son Alfred Baum Jr., grandson Dr. Alfred (Bill) Baum, Sisters Mildred (in infancy), Alice (Penrod) Kliensausser, and two brothers John and Leonard Umiker.

Memorial Donations can be made in Bernice’s name to Heart to Heart Hospice of Gettysburg, 804 E Hwy 212, Gettysburg, SD 57442, American Legion Auxiliary of Lebanon, or the Christ Lutheran Church of Lebanon.