Berniece Simons
May 4, 1913 ~ July 26, 2011
View Berniece's Tribute Video
Berniece Anna Simons, 98, of Miller, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society of Miller.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2011 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 29, 2011 followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.
Berniece Anna Goyke was born May 4, 1913 to Bernard and Anna (Dobmeier) Goyke at her Grandmother's house in St. Lawrence, SD. She was educated in the country school, and then to Notre Dame Academy in Mitchell for junior and senior high school and junior college. She graduated in 1932 with a teaching certificate and did most of her teaching in the old neighborhood near St. Lawrence where she grew up.
She married Bernard Simons on September 9, 1936. They lived on a farm northeast of St. Lawrence where they raised their children. They moved off the farm in 1976, and she then moved to Miller Manor after Bernard's death in 1996. She entered the nursing home in 2009.
Berniece especially enjoyed gardening, dancing, playing the organ, sewing, being called "Grandma" by everyone, hats, butterflies, and everything purple.
She spent many years enjoying activities at the Senior Center, rarely missing a dance, and served as the daily meal coordinator at Miller Manor during her entire residence there, and as the youth director of the Hand County Farmers Union.
Survivors include five daughters: Virginia (Alcid) Hoover of Kansas, Carole (Delton) Beck of Ree Heights, Janice (Dallas, Sr.) Westby of Huron, Rosemary (Dick) Denman of Colorado, Yvonne (Dennis) Ohlrogge of Huron; five sons: David (Derla) Simons of St. Lawrence, Donald (Dagmar) Simons of New York, Kenneth (Rosetta) Simons of Aberdeen, Stephen (Gabrielle) Simons of Miller, and Myron Simons of Huron; one sister, Colleen Kearns of Kansas; 42 grandchildren; 79 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Bernard; her parents; sisters, Beverly Ringelbauer, Lorena, Catherine, and Elizabeth Goyke.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Berniece's arrangements.
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Our prayers are with you during this time.
Sherry & Larry Van Zee
Thinking of you during this sad time. I can only imagine all the memories you all have about this wonderful woman and the changes she has seen during her lifetime. Sincerely, Jenise
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out the the whole family. Your many family memories will be a treasure for all during this time of healing. May you find comfort in knowing that she has found peace and comfort with “Our Lord”. My sincere sympathy. Shar
To all the Simons’ clan,
Deepest sympathies to all of you. Your grandma was an exceptional person and will be greatly missed.
Brian, Tabatha, Danae, Tucker, Alexias Duxbury
Dear Family of Berniece,
Just finished viewing the video tribute to Berniece on line. What a wonderful life she had! 98 glorious years of loving family and faith in her Lord! Our sympathy goes out to all of you. She will be remembered by many, but especially you, her family. Am sure she’s dancing with the angels!
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Simons family. Berniece was always a ray of sunshine in my life. She and Bernard were the best neighbors I could have wished for. I have so many wonderful memories of them and rejoice in knowing they’re together again in heaven.
Wish Mike and I could be there we miss everyone you all are in our thoughts this week. Good by Grandma we will miss you very much. Love Dean and Mike
Berniece and my mother Dorothy Bevers were very good pals.
I enjoyed our conversations with Berniece and Mom.
Prayers and condolences to the family.
Linda & Jack