Bernice Wanderscheid

Bernice Virginia Wanderscheid, 99, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, just one day shy of her 100th birthday. Born on December 2, 1925, in Litchfield, Minnesota, to Alfred and Olga Norine, Bernice lived a long and fulfilling life centered around faith, family, and love.

Bernice grew up surrounded by her brothers, Ruben, Melvin, and Chester, and her sisters, Alice Romine and Mavis Compton, all of whom preceded her in death. In the summer of 1945, she met the love of her life, John Wanderscheid. Three days later, John left for the war, and the two spent the following years writing letters back and forth, building the foundation of a love that would last a lifetime. When John returned home, they were married on September 2, 1947, in Minnesota.

In 1949, Bernice and John moved from Minnesota to Klamath Falls, Oregon, seeking milder weather and new beginnings. Together, they created a warm and loving home filled with laughter, faith, and the irresistible aroma of Bernice's cooking and baking. Bernice devoted her life to being a homemaker, and nothing brought her more pride than raising her children. She and John welcomed their first son, Richard "Dick" in September of 1948, followed by Gary in August of 1952, their daughter Diane in April of 1961, and their youngest, John Jr., in December of 1966.

Bernice cherished the role of grandmother and great-grandmother. She became a grandma for the first time in 1975 with the birth of Chad to Gary and Clydene and delighted in welcoming six more grandchildren-Sean, Rachel, Erin, Jessica, Nicholas, and Ryan. In 1996, her first great-grandchild, Austin, was born, followed over the years by Talen, Haley, Presley, Tatum, Chamberlain, Maverick, Brittan, and Emersyn. Family was truly the heart of Bernice's world, and her happiest moments were spent surrounded by loved ones around her kitchen table, sharing stories, meals, and laughter.

Bernice's life was defined by her deep compassion, unwavering faith, and joyful spirit. A devoted Catholic, she attended Mass weekly and said the Rosary every night. She was known for her honesty, warmth, and that unmistakable spark of mischief that made every gathering brighter. Bernice loved playing cards, penny slot machines, camping, reading mystery novels, and tuning into her favorite soap operas or game shows such as The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. She wasn't afraid to tell it like it was, but her truth always came wrapped in love. Her cooking was legendary-not just for its deliciousness, but for the love that went into every meal she served. People always seemed to turn up at Bernice's house just in time for dinner with an on-going open invitation.

Bernice was one of a kind-strong, spirited, kindhearted, and faithful. Those who were blessed to know her will never forget her generous heart, her infectious smile, and her steadfast devotion to those she loved.

A Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at St. Pius Catholic Church, 4880 Bristol Ave., Klamath Falls, Oregon. A reception will follow at noon, with burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Bernice is reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband John, her parents, siblings, and many dear friends. She is dancing, singing, and rejoicing beside Jesus. Her love remains an everlasting light in the hearts of her family and all who had the joy of knowing her. She will be greatly missed, her family looks forward to the day they will reunite with her in eternal glory.