Bernice M. Johnson Fenske, 95, Cando, ND, died Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at Valley Eldercare Center, Grand Forks, ND.

Bernice was born to Barney and Edith (Patterson) Disselbrett at Philbrook, MN on July 13, 1913, where she grew up and attended school. Bernice married Clarence Johnson June 25, 1932.  They farmed at rural Fordville, ND. Where they lived and raised their four children.  In 1952, they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where she worked at First National Bank, and was a station ward clerk at University Hospital.  She also was a cook for the President of General Mills.  Clarence passed away February 24, 1959 at the age of 50.  On November 15, 1969, Bernice married Helmuth Fenske. They resided on a farm at Young America, Minnesota.  While in Young America, she was an Avon lady and worked at the Lester Prairie Greenhouse. Helmuth passed away July 16, 1988 at the age of 77. In June of 1989, Bernice moved to Cando, ND where she resided for 20 years.  March 25, 2009 she entered the Valley Eldercare Center at Grand Forks, ND after having three months treatment for cancer.

Bernice was a member of the Quale Lutheran Church and its WELCA. Bernice enjoyed gardening and flowers.  She was a great seamstress.  Many handstitched quilts were made in her lifetime.  She loved to cook and bake.  She enjoyed playing bunco, cards and cribbage with her Cando friends and spending special times with her family.

Bernice is survived by 3 daughters: Clariece Jore, of Cando, Beverly Anton, of Park River and Shirley Zahradka, of Grand Forks, Daughter-in-law Mary Johnson, of Minneapolis, MN; 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, 10 step-great grandchildren and 7 step-great-great grandchildren.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, son Elvin Johnson, sons-in-law:  William L. Zahradka, William J. Anton and Henry Jore, granddaughter Bonnie Anton Schmidt, 3 grandsons:  Harvey Jore, Dr. Buckly A. Zahradka and Robert Johnson, great-granddaughter Shiela Schmidt Lund, great-great grandson Juluis Johnson; 2 brothers and 5 sisters.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Quale Lutheran Church of rural Fordville, ND at 11:00 AM with

interment later in the spring in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 17, 2009 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home, Cando with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service and also for one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday at the church.