Cover photo for Bernice Helen Mudgett's Obituary
Bernice Helen Mudgett Profile Photo
1924 Bernice 2023

Bernice Helen Mudgett

November 10, 1924 — March 13, 2023

Bernice Helen Mudgett 98, was born November 10, 1924 to LeRoy “Lee” and Clara Funk Mudgett in Rapid City, South Dakota. She passed away on March 13, 2023 in Sioux City, Iowa at Holy Spirit Retirement Home.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 15, 2023, at St. James United Methodist Church, 2032 S. Cypress St. The livestream will be available on the church's facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/SCSaintJames-104820681861583
Lunch will be served following the service.

Bernice joined her brother, Harvey (born 1921) and sister Ruby (born 1923). Her parents were married in Cedar Rapids, Iowa April 1920 and Divorced in 1926. Bernice and her siblings took turns riding the train to California to live with Aunt Sue (Funk) and Uncle Mac MacReynolds, and attended some elementary school there. The family also lived some time with grandparents, Fred and Alcinda Funk, and Uncle Ivan near Clearfield, South Dakota, attending a one-room school. Her paternal Grandfather was Charles Mudgett (1833 – 1916.)

Bernice lived most of her life in Sioux City, graduating from Central High in 1942. She worked many years at Dial Finance as a cashier and ended her work life with several years as a bookkeeper at Kay Dee Feed Co.

It was at Dial Finance where she met Karen, becoming such good friends with her Coworker that Karen and Dave Harder became like family and helped her with many moves and needs in her later years. Their children Greg (Kelly) and grandson, Colt, and Marni (Steve) Brinkmann and grandson, Andrew were extra special in Bernice’s life. Karen has been a faithful friend to Bernice on her very last days.

Bernice was a member of St. James United Methodist Church where she belonged to Lydia Circle UMW and Glory Group.

Bernice made many friends at church and wherever she went. She valued them all and they enjoyed her too, including staff at the retirement home. In addition to loving people, she also loved her cats, that lived with her and welcomed her home each night, always giving them special attention and care.

She lived through the transition to cell phones and came to depend on Great Nephew, Todd Shelbourn, who lived in Sioux City, and helped her with modern technology. She also enjoyed spending time with him as he visited her often.

Bernice was preceded in death by her mother Clara Hammel, brother Harvey Mudgett, and sister Ruby Mudgett (Orris) Shippy.

She loved and was loved by several nieces and nephews in S. Dakota and California and enjoyed trips to visit them. When she smiled we felt her love, humor and laughter. We were in awe that even when she suffered from severe migraine headaches, her smile would shine. She was strong, much loved and enjoyed by her extended family.

Memorials may be sent to Sioux City St James United Methodist Church or Sioux City Humane Society.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bernice Helen Mudgett, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration Of Life

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Starts at 10:30 am (Eastern time)

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