Bernice Ruhde Potter

Bernice Alva, daughter of Albert G. and Lena Marie (Gruhn) Jansen, was born January 8, 1917, at Manning, Iowa. The family moved to South Dakota where Bernice attended school until, as the eldest of thirteen children, she was needed at home. When she was sixteen she moved back to Manning where she worked for a time until moving again to South Dakota. Bernice was united in marriage with Emil G. Ruhde on March 4, 1938, at Colome, SD. After farming for six years they permanently moved back to Manning. She and Emil lived in the same house for fifty years and raised two children. After the death of her husband on February 5, 1992, Bernice remained in their home. On October 1, 1994, Bernice was united in marriage with Harold E. Potter and they had nearly two great years together. He died on March 13, 1996. A few years later Bernice moved to the Terrace Apartments. Bernice was an excellent seamstress, making drapes for Mueller Furniture Store and sewing and mending for others. She also enjoyed cooking, baking and volunteering her services for the Manning Plaza and Hospital Auxiliary. She worked for Ohde Funeral Home for forty years. Bernice always looked forward to retirement so she would have more time to crochet. Throughout her life she enjoyed dancing and was on a bowling team until her 85th birthday. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She moved to the nursing home in 2008. On Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Bernice died at 98 years, 3 months, and 20 days of age. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Emil Ruhde and Harold Potter infant son; brothers Louis Jansen; Le Roy Jansen; Harold Jansen, as a young boy; Clarence Jansen; William Jansen; and Melvin Jansen. She is survived by her children Roxanne Collins of Warrensburg, MO and Russell Ruhde and wife Deborah of Hinton; grandchildren: Stuart (Diane) Collins of Warrensburg, MO and Amy (Andy) Nieland of Sioux City, IA; great-grandchildren Madeline and Walker Collins; brothers: John (Betty) Jansen of Sioux City; Leonard (Clarice) Jansen of Gregory, SD; Cliff Jansen of Lake Havasu City, AZ and Duane (Arlis) Jansen of Ft Collins, CO; sisters Delores (Ed) Mulder of Spirit Lake and Joan (Charles) Odens of Forest City; step-son Russell (Cheryl) Potter of Texas; step-daughters Charlotte (Neil) Carstens of Dow City and Sandra McCutcheon of Austin, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Officiant Reverend Vicki Fisher United Methodist Church Recorded Music "How Great Thou Art" "The Old Rugged Cross" "Abide With Me" Casket Bearers Joel Odens Jim Tonsfeldt John Tonsfeldt Rick Dammann Stuart Collins Andy Nieland