Bernice Swedberg

Bernice Swedberg, age 95, died on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Whitefish at the Lake Senior Living, Crosslake.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Friends and family are invited to gather for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Brainerd.

Bernice was born to Clarence and Elsena (Johnson) Gosswiller on their farm near Rice on June 6, 1926. The family later moved to a small farm near Pequot Lakes in 1934. Bernice attended a one room country school up until 8th grade when she began attending High School in Pequot Lakes. Before graduation, she started a job working at a bank. She eventually began work at First National Bank in 1947, which is where she retired from in 1986.

Bernice was united in marriage to the love of her life, Elvin Swedberg, on September 14, 1950. Together, they raised their children and were very dedicated to the church. She was a very active member at First Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School and Bible school, was President, Vice President and Treasurer of First Lutheran Women. She counted offerings and assembled the Messenger for many years. Bernice and Elvin were delegates to the Synod Conventions in Duluth three different times. She also served on the council for several years.

She is survived by her children, Karen (Gary) Thiesse, Teri (Rod Ustipak) Swedberg, and Jon Swedberg; grandchildren, Reid (Kim) Thiesse, Erin Thiesse, Bret (Emily) Ustipak, Kelsi (Peter Hollender) Ustipak, and Michelle (Jason Johnson) Ustipak; great grandsons, Lucas, Jackson, Aurelio and Cadeyrn; and many other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Elvin Swedberg; daughter, Janice Anne; parents; brother, Donald Gosswiller; and sister, Lucille Haworth.

Arrangements are with the Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd.