Bernice Karnik

Bernice Karnik age 94 of Little Turkey, IA died Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco, IA. As per Bernice's wishes a private family gathering and burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Little Turkey will take place at a later date. Bernice Regina Karnik was born on December 31, 1929 to Joseph and Catherine (Schmitt) Hageman in rural St. Lucas. Bernice had 2 brothers and 3 sisters and grew up on the family farm. She received her education at St. Luke's Catholic School. Bernice met Arnold Barloon and they were married in St. Lucas. After just a few short years Arnold (1925-1955) was killed in a tragic accident. Bernice was left with two small children David and Coralee. Bernice met Raymond Karnik and were soon married joining the family were two little girls, Karla and Vicki. After several years of marriage Raymond (1927-1974) became sick and with his passing left Bernice to raise her family. Bernice later found friendship with Bill Berka lasting over 30 years. She spent many of those years riding on the back of his motorcycle, going for drives to antique shops, or looking at equipment for Bill's lawn mower service. Bill passed away in 2017 leaving Bernice to find a new way to get to town. Bernice’s grandson Kory Karnik stepped up to the task. You could find Bernice and Kory at Dollar General, Fareway, A & W or at Bernice's favorite spot, The Mint, that they visited every couple of weeks. Bernice was a homebody enjoying her garden, canning and sitting outside reading her paper and petting her cat Blackie. Bernice leaves behind her children, David(Donna) Karnik of Fort Atkinson, CoraLee(Mike) Bigley of Elma, Vickie of InverGrove Heights, Minnesota. Her grandchildren Kory, Karly, Kassidy Karnik; Kelly (Jeff "Myron") Bigley; Pete Bigley; Tracy(Michael) Adams; Katelyn(Travis) Hemesath; Patrick(Sabree) Bigley; and Danielle and Matthew Ungurian; six great grandchildren and one great great grandson. Also left behind is a brother Joe(Gayle) Hageman of St. Lucas. And many neices, nephews and cousins. Bernice is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Arnold Barloon, Raymond Karnik. Her daughter Karla Karnik; grandson Paul Bigley and great granddaughter Letty Bigley. Her siblings Florian(Irma) Hageman, Sister Joselda Hageman, Lorriane(Carl) Wurzer, Rosemary(Phil) Kruse. And many members of the Barloon, Hageman and Karnik families. Also Bernice's lifelong friend, Bill Berka. Bernice's journey on earth has ended and she has joined her loved ones that have gone before her. She leaves behind memories that will be passed on. 641-394-4334