Bernice J. Dykstra

Bernice J. Dykstra, age 87, of Ripon, WI passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Prairie Place in Ripon.

Bernice was born in Appleton, WI on June 4, 1937, daughter of Peter and Eleanor (Reuteler) Schmidtfranz. She graduated from Markesan High School. On November 20, 1955 she married Donald E. Dykstra at Peace Lutheran Church in Green Lake, WI. Bernice and Don owned a Mobile station in Markesan during the 1960’s, and later Bernice worked as a housekeeper at Ripon College. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Markesan, where she was very active. Bernice was a passionate caregiver and enjoyed volunteering her time for Hospice. She enjoyed quilting and made big quilts and pillows. Bernice also was an avid collector of cardinals and angels.

Bernice is survived by her sons, Dennis (Lynette) Dykstra of Markesan, WI, David (Shari) of Ripon, WI, and Douglas (Renee) of TX; 5 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren with 2 more on the way; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Eleanor Schmidtfranz; husband Donald Dykstra in 1993; a brother, Peter Schmidtfranz; and a sister, Lucille Salens.

Visitation for Bernice will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Friday, November 8, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 65 W. Catherine St., Markesan, WI 53946.

Funeral service for Bernice will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 8, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Markesan, with Pastor Jason Jobs officiating. Interment will follow at Markesan Memorial Cemetery, Markesan, WI. Memorials in her name may be directed to the church for the youth group, P.O. Box 345, Markesan, WI 53946.