Bernice Magnussen

About Bernice

Bernice Magnussen, 89, of Fosston, Minnesota, formerly from Clearbrook, MN passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at McIntosh Manor in McIntosh, Minnesota.

Bernice was born January 22, 1933, near Gonvick in Pine Lake Township, Minnesota, the daughter of Roy and Julia (Kise) Graftaas. Bernice was baptized and confirmed at Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick, MN.

She graduated from Gonvick High School in 1950. Bernice was united in marriage to Harvey Berg on October 5, 1951, in Gully, MN. Two sons were blessed by this union Marvin and Bruce. Harvey passed away in 1958. Bernice married Oswald Erlandson in 1961, three children were also blessed to this marriage, Kathy, David, and Brenda. Oswald passed away in 1985. In 1988, Bernice married Herbert Magnussen and he passed on September 6, 2014.

Bernice was active in WELCA, taught Sunday School, served in various positions on the church council, and served as President of the Thrivent Branch for several years. She was a 4-H leader, enjoyed volunteering at the Good Samaritan Home and was a member of the Legion Auxiliary #603 of Gully, where she held several offices.

Bernice worked as a nurse’s aide at the Pioneer Memorial Home for a short time and for the Clearwater County Nursing Services. She was a hard worker whether it be milking cows, baling hay or several other farm duties. She liked canning, gardening, and especially baking. Bernice was famous for her delectable lefse and made lefse for many people all around. She also had “Bernice’s Lefse Bakery” and prepared serval baked goods for several people.

Bernice is survived by her children: Marvin and Rhoda Berg of Gully, MN.

Bruce (Anita Larson) Berg of Duluth, MN.

Kathy (Dennis) Omang of Winger, MN.

David (Lesley) Erlandson of Valley City, ND.

Brenda Rosnow of Christine, ND.

Brother-Ray Graftaas of Barnum, MN.

Sister-Phyllis Jacobson of Pelican, MN

Sister-JoAnn Garcia of Sterling, IL.

Several grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren

Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins

Long Time Best Friend-Carmen Whitten

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; husbands - Harvey, Oswald, and Herb and brothers-Stan and Albert.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Bernice

January 13, 2023

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lund Lutheran Church in Gully, Minnesota with Reverend Gene Lilienthal officiating. Visitation one hour prior. Interment will be held at the United Lutheran Cemetery in Berner Minnesota in the Spring.