Berniece Wester

Berniece Wester, age 95, passed away on April 22, 2025, in Bismarck, North Dakota. 

Berniece was born on January 31, 1930, on the family farm near Westfield, North Dakota as the sixth of thirteen children to Edd and Mary Van Beek. She graduated from Emmons County School in 1942. Berniece married Velman Wester on June 9, 1949, in her parents’ home. She and Velman farmed Velman’s parents’ farm for 5 ½ years, moved to Hood River, Oregon for 5 ½ years, and then moved to Bismarck in 1960 where she lived for the rest of her life. Berniece was a widow for over 38 years after Velman died in 1986 after 37 ½ years of marriage.

Faith, family, and friends were most important to Berniece. She was a kind, soft-spoken lady who served others in countless ways. Berniece worked as a farm wife, fruit packer, maid, day-care provider, seamstress, switchboard operator, and receptionist. She retired from JC Penney in 1992 after 22 years of service. Berniece also served as a volunteer in her church and community in many different capacities. Berniece was an avid walker who conquered the “I made the hill” walk and other walks in Bismarck. She walked with her dear friend Yvonne Andrews for at least 15 years. Berniece also loved playing games with family and friends and baking cookies with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Berniece had 12 siblings, 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her oldest son Robert Webster, her youngest daughter Lori Jans, four brothers Gerald, Ernie, Ken, and Terry, and three sisters Florence Van Beek, Violet Haak, and Phyllis Haak. She is survived by three children Mary (Ed) Talbacka, Sharon Mehrer, Randy (Tari) Wester, daughter-in-law Lorrie Webster, son-in-law Steve Jans, two brothers Melvin and Orlie, three sisters Carol Nelson, Angie Van Beek, and Elaine Doeden, and all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bernieces’s favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse gave her strength during the greatest trials in her life. Berniece’s favorite song is Until Then. This song speaks about remaining joyful through the troubles of life. Her persevering and grateful spirit is exemplified in the closing sentence of a manuscript she wrote about her life in which she stated, “Don’t you think I have been well blessed?”

A funeral will be held 11:00AM, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Bismarck Community Church, 1617 Michigan Ave, Bismarck. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck.

The family recommends donations to KNDR radio station in lieu of flowers.