Bernice M Mergen

PATCH GROVE – Bernice M. Mergen, age 97, passed away Friday, February 23, 2018, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was born May 19, 1920, the daughter of Joseph G. and Katherine (Kundrat) Paulus. Bernice graduated from Prairie du Chien High School. On June 5, 1946, she was united in marriage to George L. Mergen at St. John's Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien. Together they farmed in Patch Grove Township until 1988 when they moved to the village of Patch Grove. Bernice was also employed at Prairie City Bank and later at People's State Bank. She was the Patch Grove Township Treasurer for over 25 years. Bernice was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bloomington. She enjoyed bird watching, playing solitaire, cooking, and taking care of her flower and vegetable gardens. She will be remembered for her selfless nature, kindness to everyone, and the love she had for her family.
Surviving are her children: Karen Berry, Steve (Sharon) Mergen, Dan (Pam) Mergen, Karla (Dan) Klinkhammer, Ken (Nancy) Mergen, Tim Mergen, Cathy (Joe) Hoffman, and Louise (Jim) Iverson; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband George, a son-in-law Gregg Berry, and two brothers; Joseph "Pep" (Irene) and Francis (Mary) Paulus, and many members of the Stephen and Frances (Von der Heide) Mergen family.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bloomington, with Fr. John Meinholz officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Bloomington. Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church, where an 8:45 a.m. parish rosary will be prayed. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory of Bloomington is assisting the family. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Bernice M. Mergen Memorial Fund has been established.
Online condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com