Bernice Grohs, 104, St. Cloud

September 17, 1912 - May 6, 2017

Bernice Grohs passed away on May 6, 2017 at St. Benedict’s Senior Community in St. Cloud, Minnesota at the age of 104 years and 7 months.

Bernice Gilsdorf was born in Humphrey, Nebraska to parents Mathias and Anna (Greisen) Gilsdorf on September 17, 1912. She grew up around Humphrey, Nebraska, Tarnov, Nebraska, and Egbert, Wyoming -- an area in those days not yet very far removed from The Old West and that included such childhood adventures as killing rattlesnakes and hanging them on fences in order to bring rain.

In 1924, she moved with her family to a farm east of Graceville, Minnesota. The family later relocated to a farm west of Dumont. On September 11,1934, she married Clemens Grohs of Dumont and in 1942, they adopted their son, Roy. They farmed in different locations in Traverse county finally settling on Clem’s family farm near Dumont in 1947.

In 1961, they left farming and moved to St. Cloud where Clem became employed for many years by Fingerhut Corporation and Wyman plastics while Bernice worked in food service at Madison Elementary School. They were active members of St. Peter’s parish.

Clem passed away in 1985 and Bernice remained active and vital in her home in north St. Cloud until, at age 99, she moved to St. Benedict’s Senior Community in 2011 where she greatly enjoyed her apartment, fellow residents and visits from family and friends.

Bernice is survived by her son, Roy, and his wife, Maggie of St. Paul, Minnesota; grandchildren, Erica Noble-Grohs of South St. Paul, and Michael Grohs of Minneapolis; and her brother John Gilsdorf of Columbus, Montana.

Bernice is preceded in death by her parents; husband Clemens Grohs; son-in-law Declan Noble; brothers Clarence Gilsdorf, Donald Gilsdorf, and Gilbert Gilsdorf; sisters Geraldine Gilsdorf, Loretta Gilsdorf, LaVerna Sanasack, Phyllis Hauschild and Jeanne Barnier.

The family will at a later date announce arrangements for memorials and interment.

Williams Dingmann in St. Cloud is in charge of immediate arrangements for Bernice. To send condolences to the family on-line, visit their website at www.williamsdingmann.com

In place of flowers or family donations, anyone wishing to make a donation may send payment to: St. Benedicts Senior Community at 1810 Minnesota Blvd. SE, St Cloud, MN 56304 with a note that it is in memory of Bernice Grohs.