Obituary of Bernice C. Pederson

Bernice C. Pederson, age 94, of Yankton, passed away late Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at the Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Monday, January 26, 2015 at St. Columba Catholic Church, Mayfield, with Rev. Randy Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitations will begin at 5:00 PM, Sunday, January 25, 1015 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, with a rosary at 7:00 PM followed by a Scripture Service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Bernice was born November 13, 1920 near Oacoma, SD to Alvin and Olina (Anderson) Briggs. Bernice's mother died on October 8, 1928 when Bernice was eight years old, Grandpa Briggs was left to take care of six children. The younger ones stayed with aunts and uncles until school age and Bernice being the oldest, helped to take care of them while their dad worked. Bernice attended country school through the 8th grade, then started to work outside of the home. In 1938, she moved to Irene and worked on the Hauger farm. On June 11th, 1940 she married Albert Hauger. While raising her own family and working on the farm, she still found time to help several relatives and friends. This became a recurring theme in her life, to lend a helping hand whenever she saw a need. Bernice resided on the farm with Albert near Irene, SD for 28 years where they operated a very successful farm operation until Albert's death on September 18, 1968. On August 4th, 1973 Bernice married Peder Pederson. They resided in Irene, SD for 30 years. Bernice worked at both the Sunset Manor Nursing Home and the Irene Public School. She always enjoyed being close to the activities of her grandchildren and her door was always open as they would come and go with their friends. Bernice had a variety of interests that included: Baseball, football, camping and cards of all kinds; pinochle was one of her favorites. Bernice also loved baking, especially pies. In 2004 Bernice and Peder moved to Yankton after she suffered a broken hip. She recovered and continued an active life. Her greatest pride and joy was always her family and she treasured the time she was able to spend with them. Bernice is survived by her husband, Peder Pederson; sons, Roger (Marlene) Hauger of Vermillion, SD and Gary (Diane) Hauger of Georgetown, TX; daughter, Helen (Darrell) McDonald of Irene, SD; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Bernice was preceded in death by her first husband, Albert Hauger, her mother and father, Alvin and Olina, stepmother, Dolly Briggs; grandparents, Edward and Annie Anderson; 2 brothers, Floyd and Donald, 4 sisters: Geneva, Janice, Lucille and Donna and 6 stepbrothers and sisters.