Bernice Erb, of Beemer, Nebraska passed away on May 6, 2020 at the Colonial Haven Nursing Home in Beemer, NE. Memorial services will be held June 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Beemer Mennonite Church in Beemer, NE. A luncheon will follow at the Beemer Legion Hall. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Minnick Funeral Service Facebook page at www.facebook.com/
Bernice (Bernie) was born June 17, 1925 near Wolford, ND to Jerry P and Catherine (Gingerich) Yoder. She attended country school in the Wolford area. She started working out of the home at age 13. Bernie worked in various positions in the Wolford, Rugby, and Minot ND areas – and also in Wichita, KS. In 1948 Bernie attended short-term at Hesston Bible College, Hesston, Ks.
In 1950 Bernie entered Mennonite Voluntary Service (VS) in Kansas City, KS and spent 2 years working in the Kansas City General Hospital. While in VS she met Albert Erb, Jr, who also participated in VS. They were married August 1, 1953 in Kansas City. They began their married life in Beemer, NE, eventually moving to the Wisner area.
Bernie cared for her family and home and helped in the family businesses. In later years she also worked for Kruse’s IGA, Jack and Jill, Rainbow Lanes, Marilyn’s Tea Room, West Point Garden Center and Woodland Circle in Wisner.
Bernie especially enjoyed time with children, grandchildren and the extended family. She loved attending all her grandchildren’s events and being a part of their lives. Favorite memories of the grandchildren are pancake breakfasts, chocolate chip cookies and jumping on the trampoline with grandma. Another joy was her lawn and flower gardens. Many hours were spent working outside – family greatly appreciated the peace and beauty of the homeplace. In her late 80’s she could be found outside mowing and tending her flower gardens. Inside activities included crocheting, basket making and reading.
Bernie accepted Christ as a teenager and was baptized at Lakeview Mennonite Church, Wolford ND. She was an active member of Beemer Mennonite Church. She enjoyed being on the Flower and Food Committees and participating in the Sewing Circle.
Bernie and Al moved to Elkhorn Valley Apartments in 2016. Their last 2 years were spent at Colonial Haven in Beemer NE.
Bernie and Al moved to Elkhorn Valley Apartments in 2016. Their last 2 years were spent at Colonial Haven in Beemer NE.
Bernie is survived by her spouse of 66 years, Al Erb; children, Jerry (Cathy) Erb of Wisner, Roxanne (John) Miller of Hesston, KS, Sally (Wayne) Hansen of Pender, Brenda Cox of West Point, Bruce (Jessica) Erb of Gilbert, AZ; grandchildren Heidi Hansen (Dan) Miller of Kearney, Jessica Cox of Dallas TX, Krista Miller of Wichita KS, Brian Cox of Omaha NE, Rhonda Miller(Brett) Butler of Hesston KS, Kevin Erb of Wessington Springs SD, Taylor Hansen of Kearney NE, Whitney Hansen of Pender, Angela Erb of Owatonna MN, Adontin Jaramillo and Aaron Jaramillo of Gilbert AZ. 9 great-grandchildren also bless this family.
Bernie is also survived by 3 siblings – Bonnie (Yoder) Stoll of Washington IN, Dewey (Carol) Yoder of Kirbyville MO and Vera Jane Yoder of Grand Forks ND. Multiple in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins blessed Bernie’s life over the years.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents and 2 granddaughters, Kimberly Miller and Amber Cox. 11 siblings and their spouses also proceeded her in death, including Ethel Yoder, James Yoder, Alice Yoder, Earl Yoder, Ellen (Dale) Huntzinger, Bessie (Vernon) Hochstetler, Loren (Mary) Yoder, Ralph (Diane) Yoder, Ray (Rachel) Yoder, Evelyn (Carl) Hochstetler, Loretta Yoder.
