Bernice Dewald

Bernice Dewald, 94, Bowdle, died Thursday, January 16, 2025 at the Bowdle Hospital.

Bernice M. Stuckel, daughter of Martha (Schumacher) and Adolph Stuckel, was born January 14, 1931 at Roscoe. She was brought up between Roscoe and Loyalton and graduated from Loyalton Public School. Following her schooling, she worked for Joe and Annie Dewald, and in later years she also worked at a local café. Bernice and her sister Frieda then spent a year in the state of Washington where they worked in a cannery. Bernice returned to South Dakota and married Ralph Dewald at Bowdle on October 9, 1951. They farmed and raised five children six miles east of Bowdle. Bernice moved into Bowdle September 1997 where she lived the rest of her life.

Bernice enjoyed decorating her home, gardening, keeping the yard trimmed and playing cards at the Senior Center. But the times she treasured most were the times spent with family. Bernice was a woman of many talents-she sewed and mended clothing for her family, from dresses to repairing holes in socks! Cooking and baking were also another of her many talents-her kuchens were a favorite of all the family, especially peach. She was an organized, meticulous housekeeper, never one to sit idle until later years when health issues began to limit her mobility. Bernice was a strong woman of faith. She was a member of St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Bowdle and St. Augustine's Altar Society.

Bernice is survived by one son, Michael (Denise) Dewald of Silver City, NM; two daughters, Roxanne Huber of Hoven and Nancy Dewald of Gilbert, Ariz .; two brothers, Earl Stuckel of Washington state and Ralph Stuckel of Alaska; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, on June 6, 1998; her father, Adolph, on May 9, 1960; her mother, Martha, on November 13, 1938; one son, Terrance, on November 23, 1980; one daughter, Janet, on May 26, 2000; son-in-law, Gordie Huber, on October 26, 2023; three brothers, Ray, Lester, and Willard; and two sisters, Frieda Dewald and Pearl Holovka.

Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Bowdle, with Father Timothy Cone, Celebrant. Interment followed at the Church Cemetery.

Pianist was Margaret Bobby. Lector was Pat Dewald. Mass Servers were Ashton Heyne and Brayden Heyne. Placing the Pall on Bernice's casket were her children Michael, Roxanne, and Nancy. Usher was Norbert Thomas.

Honorary bearers were the Bowdle Healthcare staff. Casketbearers were Jordan Bachmeier of Mobridge; Rick Knecht of Platte; Randy Knecht of Sioux Falls; Jared Preszler of Aberdeen; Scott Heyne of Roscoe; and Mike McGuire of Hoven.

Wake service was Monday at Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle. The Rosary was led by Norbert Thomas.

Services are in care of Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle. (www.MilllerLienFH.com) Bernice's funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.