Bernice Kolkhorst

Bernice Stern Kolkhorst, widow of Robert H. Kolkhorst, passed away May 22, 2017 in Bryan.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Phillipsburg, with Pastor Robert Sorenson officiating. The graveside committal service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Visitation is scheduled for 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Bernice Stern Kolkhorst, the daughter of Edwin C. and Lydia Nordt Stern, was born on November 3, 1922 in the Phillipsburg Community of Austin County, Texas. She was baptized in the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Phillipsburg on January 21, 1923 by the Rev. Eugene Meier and confirmed in the same church on May 16, 1937 by Rev. C. P. Hasskarl. Bernice’s confirmation verse was John 11:25-26. Bernice was educated in Washington County Public Schools and graduated from Blinn College in 1942.

Bernice was united in marriage with Robert H. Kolkhorst on December 16, 1945 in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg. This union was blessed with two children, Robert Jr. (Bobby) and Linda.

Bernice was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg. She served as church organist, Sunday School teacher, honorary member of the altar guild, a member of the Dorcas Circle and WELCA. She was also a member of the VFW James F. Dillon Post 7104 Auxiliary and Scott and White Auxiliary.

Bernice was a mother and housewife. She was employed by Blue Bell Creameries, City of Brenham and Washington County State Bank. She retired from the bank in 1984 after serving in various positions for twenty-four years.

She is survived by her son, Bobby, and her daughter Linda and her husband Ron Goerdel; grandson, Brian Alan Kolkhorst; granddaughters, Jenny Goerdel and Lindsey Gilbert and her husband, Mark; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Grace and Trace Robert Gilbert; Brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Harold and Johnnie Kolkhorst, Bill and Lucille Raethka and Judy Stern, along with numerous nephews and nieces.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; father and mother, Edwin C. and Lydia Stern; daughter-in-law Cindy Kolkhorst; granddaughter, Angela Kolkhorst; brother, Edwin C. Stern, Jr.; sister and brother-in-law, Jack and Gladys Pankonien; father and mother-in-laws, Henry and Thekla Kolkhorst and stepmother-in-law, Alvina Kolkhorst.

Pallbearers: Danny Kimberling, Gary and Kenny Kolkhorst, Jimmie Mercer, Glen Pankonien, John B. Schaer III, David Schomburg and Edwin C. Stern III.

Honorary Pallbearers: Ruby Luhn, Patricia Renn, Rose Lee Lohmeyer and Angelie Goeke.

Memorials may be directed to the General Fund of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Phillipsburg.

Funeral arrangements for Bernice Stern Kolkhorst are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

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