Bernice Orgaard

Bernice Orgaard, 84, of Mandan, ND passed away on September 8, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 12th at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church with Reverend Fred Harvey as celebrant.  Burial will be held at the Mandan Union Cemetery at 10:30 AM, Friday, September 13th.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, September 11th at Weigel Funeral Home with a Rosary/Vigil service at 6:00 PM.   Visitation will continue one hour prior to the church service.

Bernice was born on June 6, 1935 to Tim and Pauline (Gaab) Berger in Mandan, ND, the eldest child of eight.  Bernice was baptized in Odense, ND.

Bernice attended schools both in Solen and Mandan, graduating the 8th grade.  Bernice lived in Mandan for many years and enjoyed being near her family and friends.

Bernice enjoyed cooking large German style meals for family gatherings that she personally organized.  Bernice also enjoyed traveling with her brother Tom; they often went to visit their brother Donald in Milner and later Linton.  Bernice also took pleasure in many outings with her sisters and brothers; typically, they would gather at different restaurants for dinner or lunch.  They enjoyed spending time together and just “visiting”.

Bernice also took pride in shopping for her many grandkids and great grandkids.  Bernice also babysat for most of her grandkids and some of her great grandkids; she made herself available to help her family whenever she could.  Her family was her priority.

Bernice started working in local café’s when she was a teenager.  She had many great stories about the Palace Café.  Bernice most enjoyed being a home-maker, raising her children.  Bernice also worked as a bartender for many years before she retired.

Bernice is survived by her children, Vernon Foster, Debbie (Dan) Leingang, Rhonda (Manny) Gonzalez, Mark Carlson; son-in-law, Jim Schmidt.  Bernice is also survived by 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Viola Lonning and Donna Weigel; three brothers, Joe Berger, Tom Berger and Donald Berger; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Tim and Pauline Berger; her brother, Jerry Berger; her daughter, Mary Ann Schmidt; and her sister, Shirley Lee.