Berniece Grace (Duken) Nelson, 83, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, peacefully entered the gates of heaven on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, after spending the past seven and a half years at Prairie Manor Care Center.

Bernie was born April 18, 1934, to Herman and Marie (Anderson) Duken in Austin, Minnesota. She attended country school south of Blooming Prairie, graduated from Austin High School, and went on to receive her nurse’s training in Rochester. Bernie was a registered nurse at Saint Marys Hospital-Rochester, St. Olaf Hospital-Austin, and Prairie Manor Care Center-Blooming Prairie. Bernie fell in love with Mervin E. Nelson and they were married on Dec. 15, 1957, at First Baptist Church in Blooming Prairie, where the Nelsons remained members. To their union of 59 years, three rambunctious boys were born, Brian, Rodney, and Bruce, whom they lovingly raised. Berniece and Mervin enjoyed the warmth of Arizona winters for many years during retirement, as well as trips to Germany and Alaska. Bernie was a loving wife, an amazing mother, and an extraordinary grandmother. She loved and treasured her family and prayed for them regularly. The legacy she left her family was a gift. Known for her excellent cooking and baking, Bernie would spend hours in the kitchen making meals and delights for her family. Her peach pie and homemade rolls were second to none. She loved to serve delicious meals in her home and was a meticulous house keeper, as well as an avid window washer with never a streak or fly speck left behind. Gardening and her beautiful flowers brought Bernie much joy. She quietly waged a long and weary battle with Lewy Body Dementia. As she lay exhausted and vanquished, she gracefully slipped away from us. Her suffering finally ended as God carried her home to where her body and mind could be restored. All the while, she trusted in God’s promise of salvation and looked forward to entering her eternal home. She was a faithful daughter of God. Bernie always had a gentle spirit, filled with graciousness and a deep consideration of others. Precious moments and memories were made in her home that will always remain a part of her memory. Bernie’s faith and love left an incredible mark on those she met. We have lost her, but we know right where she is and we are thankful for the promise of Heaven.

Bernie was preceded in death by a baby boy and her beloved son, Rodney Nelson, her siblings, and her parents. She remains loved by her husband, Merv; her sons, Brian (Lois) and Bruce (Amy) along with Rozann; and her grandchildren, Amber, Ashley, Alicia, Jenna, Lynnae and Anthony; and her great-grandson, Owen.

Services are planned for the spring of 2017. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.