Bernice Grace Stadtherr (Kelly), 98, died peacefully on May 4, 2019, at Boutwells Landing Senior Community in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Bernice was born in 1920 on a farm near DeGraff, Minnesota, to parents Patrick and Anna Kelly. She graduated from Murdock High School in 1938 and St. Cloud State Teachers College in 1940. She received her Bachelor of Arts teaching degree from Winona State in 1969. She enjoyed a long career in elementary education, teaching in Verndale, Minnesota, Gibbon, Minnesota, Litchfield, Minnesota, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and finally Austin, Minnesota, where she taught at Sumner Elementary School for many years.

Bernice married Vincent John Stadtherr in 1948 and moved to Austin, where they raised their two children and lived together for 54 years. Bernice enjoyed spending time with her family and friends — especially her grandchildren and fellow teachers. Her family and friends will always remember her stories about growing up on the farm, her Irish heritage, and teaching sixth graders.

Bernice is survived by her son, Mark Stadtherr and his wife, Joan Brennecke, of West Lake Hills, Texas; her daughter, Joan Bissen and her husband, Greg Bissen, of Stillwater; grandchildren, Patrick Bissen and Kathleen Bissen Idstein; and great-grandchildren, Henry and Nora Idstein.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; four brothers, Francis, Hubert, James and Robert; and three sisters, Patricia, Helen and Grace.

The family would like to thank the Lakeview Hospice team and Boutwells Landing staff, her caregiver Emily, and her friends from the Terrace and Gables.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Lakeview Hospice at 1715 Tower Dr. W, Stillwater, MN 55082. Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services of Stillwater is assisting the family.