Bernice Steinbach

Bernice Steinbach was born on May 16, 1923 at her parents'' home in Rehburg. She was the oldest child of Robert and Melinda Bosse Nienstedt. She was baptized July 8, 1923 at St. Paul''s Lutheran Church of Rehburg by Rev. H. Weber and confirmed September 19, 1937, in Rehburg by Rev. C.A. Lehne. She attended Rehburg School completing 8th grade and avidly played on the girls'' volleyball team. On August 1, 1942, she was married to Raymond William Steinbach in Rehburg by Pastor Paul Czerkus. They made their home in Carmine most of their married life. Following their union, a son Donny Wayne Steinbach and a daughter Kathleen Steinbach were born. Raymond and Bernice enjoyed celebrating 25, 40, and 50 years of marriage with festive celebrations. Bernice cared for her husband until his death July 10, 1998, just a month shy of their 56th wedding anniversary. Bernice was a homemaker, but she also assisted Raymond in operating their Carmine Radio and TV Service from 1947-1980 and their other business, D & R Fish Farm. As a professional seamstress, she also spent much of her time sewing, mending, and altering clothes for family, friends, and neighbors in a custom sewing business, creating beautiful clothing, curtains, and quilts sets. In addition, she crocheted many special pieces including baby blankets for all her great-grandchildren and a special large rendition of the Lord''s Prayer....each made with love and perfection. Lovingly, Bernice tended her huge garden every year, producing volumes of vegetables to share with friends and family, as well as for canning. She took great pride in making wonderful homemade jellies and pickles, and in the fall, she picked and shelled pecans for the family. Her green thumb also created a beautiful yard which she meticulously cared for herself. She not only loved her own beautiful yard and flowers but also cared for the lawns at the Carmine Post Office, Carmine City Park, and Martin Luther Lutheran Church. Throughout her life, Bernice was involved in community and church organizations including the Round Top-Carmine School Mother''s Club where she supported Don and Kathy''s many school activities. She was a faithful member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine and an active member of the Mary Group Circle, and often prepared communion for the church. She read her Bible daily and was a devout servant of God. Additionally, she served her community as a member of the Carmine Lion''s Club, Carmine Fire Department, Carmine Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion, serving as Chaplain, and the Brenham Stroke Support Group. Representing the Carmine Chamber of Commerce, Bernice was honored in 2007 as Outstanding Senior Citizen by the Fayette County Extension Service. She independently cared for herself at home for 14 years after losing her husband and partner. She avidly watched Wheel of Fortune and Houston Astro baseball. However, her greatest joy was her family.....her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gave her such fulfillment and pride. She always looked forward to their many activities and accomplishments. Known as Mom, Granny, and GG, this special lady touched us all deeply. After a courageous battle with cancer and stroke rehabilitation, Bernice passed away peacefully at Argent Court on May 27, 2012. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Don and Judy Steinbach of Burton, daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Curtis Fuchs of Brenham, grandchildren Dr. Mark and Stacey Steinbach of Austin, Christy and David Moran of Brenham, Courtney and Wes Mason of Franklin. Great grandchildren are Tana Steinbach, Madison and Dawson Moran, and Parker and Logan Mason. Also, surviving are brother and sister-in-law Waldo and Esther Nienstedt of Burton and sister-in-law Irene Steinbach of Somerville and many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, infant sister Waldine, brother Robert and sister-in-law Estella Nienstedt. Pallbearers are her grandchildren. Funeral service for Bernice Steinbach will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday , May 30, 2012 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine with Pastor David Tinker and Pastor Glen Schoeneberg officiating. She will lie instate at Memorial Oaks Chapel from Monday afternoon until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. She will then lie instate at the Foehner Funeral Home beginning at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday with family visitation 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Foehner Funeral Home in Burton. Committal will be at the Carmine Cemetery. All are invited to attend a reception in the Fellowship Hall following the Interment. Special thanks for support and care are extended to Dr. Robert Hayden and staff, Argent Court, and Hospice Brazos Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Hospice, or the charity of your choice.