Bernice Ruth Shimpa, 73

Bernice Ruth Shimpa was born July 21, 1938, in Roseau, Minn. to Clarence and Anna (Taus) Hanson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Benwood. She attended school in the Benwood community and later at Greenbush. Following school she worked on her family farm. Bernice was united in marriage to Charley Shimpa on June 27, 1959, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Badger, MN, and the two made their home on their farm in the Greenbush community. She was a homemaker and worked on the family farm while raising her family and then went to work at the Roseau Nursing home as an aide for a number of years. She retired from the nursing home and returned to work back on her family farm for many years.
Due to her failing health, Bernice has since resided in many places such as Elderbush Manor in Greenbush, LifeCare Greenbush Manor, Warroad Care Center, and Lanewood Homes in Badger where she passed away peacefully on Monday, May 21, 2012,  at the age of 73 years and 10 months.
Bernice had many hobbies and interests throughout her life including gardening, canning, visiting with friends, snowmobiling, puzzles and reading. She is survived by her husband Charley of Greenbush; two sons, Mark (Monica) Shimpa, and Ronald Shimpa, both of Greenbush; one daughter, Marla (Dean) Tucker of Glencoe, MN; two brothers, Russel (Judy) Hanson of Strathcona, MN, and Roger Hanson of Thief River Falls, MN, along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, her son Kevin Shimpa, one brother Wallace Hanson and one nephew Jason Hanson.
Furneral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenbush, Minn with Father Luis Buitron officiating. Michelle Peppel was the song leader and organist and reader was Monica Shimpa. Song selections were “Be Not Afraid”, “On Eagle’s Wings” and “How Great Thou Art”. Casket Bearers were Andy Hanson, Dale Hanson, Dean Tucker, Shane Hanson, Charles Kaml and Michael Walsh. Honorary Bearers were all of Bernice’s caregivers at Lanewood Homes. Interment was held at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery in Greenbush, MN.
Arrangements with Collins Funeral Homes of Greenbush, Karlstad and Middle River, MN.
An online guest book is available at www.collinsfunerals.com