Bernice J. Erickson

            Bernice J. (Ellerbroek) Erickson passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Independence Village of Grand Ledge, MI. Bernice was born to Beatrix and John Ellerbroek October 5, 1925 in Spencer, Iowa.

She graduated in 1943 from Spencer High School where she was a member of the cheerleading squad.

            In 1944 she met her first husband Wallace Jeffcoat.  They married in 1945 and had two children—Stephanie and James.  They moved back to Spencer upon the death of her father.  After their divorce, she met and married Delwin “Gus” Erickson.  They had one son, Christopher.

            They made Sioux Falls, SD their home and raised their family.  Gus travelled for the H.J. Heinz Co. and Bernice worked as a secretary for Karin Construction Co. They enjoyed golf, dinner with friends, cookouts with neighbors, nights of cards and family holidays and reunions.

            She and Gus retired to Phoenix, AZ in 1982 where many Iowans they knew had also retired. They golfed, travelled, and enjoyed their many friends. Bernice was an avid golfer and proud of her two “Holes-in-One” she achieved while living in Phoenix.  Gus passed in 1984 of cancer. She filled her time with golf, bridge, and travels with the Mountain View church senior group. Bernice moved to Lansing, MI after a stroke in 2006 to be near her daughter. She made many friend and enjoyed evening cards and bingo.

She was proceeded in death by husband Gus, granddaughter Katherine Jeffcoat, great-grandson Nathaniel Theel, sisters Marion (Al) Pullen, Arleen (Ralph) Kipp and both parents. She is survived by daughter Stephanie Rave of Lansing; James Jeffcoat of Sioux Falls, SD; and Christopher (Raye Lynn) Erickson of Lisbon, ND; 2 nieces, 2 nephews, 4 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Warner Funeral Home in Spencer, IA on October 23, 2020 and grave side services on October 24 at Riverside Cemetery. The family requests you wear masks for both events.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the wonderful people of Laurus Hospice, 231 E. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI or a hospice of your choice.

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