Berniece Maurer

Berniece Esther (Sydow) Maurer, 97, died peacefully on May 16, 2017, at Skyview in Morris. 

She was born on May 2, 1920, in Stately Township, Sanborn, to Louise Yungerberg Sydow and Ferdrick Sydow Jr., their only child.

She graduated from Sanborn High School in 1936. She attended college in Mankato: both secretary and teaching school and graduated in 1942. She retired from teaching in 1953.

On January 21, 1946, Berniece married Dorvin Maurer (1920-2009) in Springfield. They raised two daughters.  In 2009, Berniece moved from the farm to Springfield. In 2015, she moved to Morris.

Berniece was a gracious cook and hostess —  the champion of her family; and she loved reading, poetry, gardening, flowers, playing cards, and listening to family members play and sing music.

Berniece is survived by two daughters: Linda (Karl) Retzlaff of Morris, and Debra (Charles) Brecht of St. Paul; six grandchildren; and 11great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 30, at the Springfield Area Community Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.

Pedersen Funeral Home, Morris, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.pedersenfh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Springfield Public Library.