Bernice Ohm
September 29, 1925 ~ November 14, 2014
Bernice C. Ohm age 89 of Lawler, Iowa, died Friday, November 14, 2014 at New Hampton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2014, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Lawler with Rev. Nick March celebrating the Mass. The pall will be placed by Bernice's son Kevin and two grandsons, Curtis and Christopher. Presenting the offertory gifts will be Andy and Rosemary Schmitt. Bob Huinker will be the organist and vocalist.
Interment will be in the New Hampton City Cemetery with Curtis Ohm, Christopher Ohm, Joe Schmitt, Chris Regal, Brad Baumler, Paula Ott and Steve Junko as pallbearers.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2014, at the church in Lawler where there will be a 4:00 p.m. Catholic Daughters of the Americas Rosary. Visitation continues an hour prior the service at the church on Tuesday.
Funeral arrangements are with Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in Lawler.
Bernice Celesta Ohm was born September 29, 1925, in Protivin, IA, the daughter of Andrew and Laura (Bouska) Schmitt. Her family lived on farms near Jerico, Lourdes, and New Hampton. Bernice lived in New Hampton and worked for her room and board during High School since traveling back and forth to the farm was difficult. Upon graduation, four girls and herself had taken exams and were recruited by government officials to work in Washington D.C. during World War II.
Bernice worked for the FBI for two years during the war. After the war ended she returned to New Hampton and taught at rural schools while she continued her education. Bernice married Clifford Ohm on June 17, 1947, and to this union one son, Kevin was born. The couple moved to Lawler shortly after their marriage. Bernice continued to teach in rural schools and parochial schools in the area for 25 years. She retired and helped her husband in his business until 1980.
Bernice enjoyed bowling league in her younger years. She also worked as librarian at the Lawler Public Library and was an active member of that board. Bernice was involved in the American Legion Auxiliary and was the historian until her passing. Bernice and Cliff traveled to Hawaii and Germany and enjoyed camping, seeing the United States, and dancing to old time music.
After Cliff passed in 1985, Bernice stepped up her volunteering and visited the sick from her parish. She was active in the Northeast Iowa council on aging and received an award from then Governor Vilsak for her efforts in 2004. You could usually find Bernice selling tickets at a fundraiser or poppies for the American Legion for Memorial Day because the Veterans efforts were so dear to her heart. Bernice will be dearly missed.
Bernice is survived by her son, Kevin Ohm of Rochester, MN; two grandsons, Curtis Ohm of Rochester, MN and Christopher Ohm of Phoenix, AZ; one brother, Andrew (Rosemary) Schmitt of New Hampton, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Laura (Bouska) Schmitt; husband, Clifford in 1985; one sister, Lorraine Baumler.
Beryl Johnson lit a candle in memory of Bernice Celesta Ohm
Dear Kevin and family, It was with great sadness that I learned of your Mom’s passing from my cousin Marlene at Lawler. I was so thankful to get to know your Mom in the last 10 years as we had done some geneology and found each other, and enjoyed visiting and trying to remember what our parents had done and said. Your Grandmother Laura and my Dad, Marcelline Bouska, were brother and sister. Your Mom was a Champion Lady with so many accomplishments, and a great big heart, always helping others. We know she is Home in Heaven now in the loving arms of our Lord, and is waiting to welcome us Home one sweet day. We hope you will come to the West Coast on Vancouver Island where we live and visit us with your family. You always have a place here with us. Love, Cousin Carol (Bouska) Dowe and Fred Dowe 512 Hawthorne Dr., Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1A5 Canada tel: 250-752-2104 email: caroldowe@gmail.com
Kevin, you have our sympathy. Bernice was a person who truly made a difference. God Bless all those Grand Ladies of Lawler. Mary Burns and Dale Christensen
I knew Bernice from our mutual interest in the ACCW of which she was a very faithful member and she also contributed much to the senior citizens of Iowa. Indeed, Bernice touched many lives during her long and productive life and I’m pleased that I got to know her for a short time. Edna Brunkhorst
Julie L. purchased the Pink Tribute Spray for the family of Bernice Celesta Ohm.
So sorry for your loss of Mom and Grandmother Bernice. She was a wonderful memory of Lawler—always a smile. Kathy Arens
Deepest sympathy to Kevin & family at this time. Many fond memories growing up with your mom and always enjoyed visting with her when she would come over each week to get her hair done. In my thoughts and prayers these next few days. Lori Decker Brown
To BernicesFamily, I enjoyed visiting with Bernice at the NHNR center while I was fixing her hair. You are in my thoughts.
Francie Crawford lit a candle in memory of Bernice Celesta Ohm