Bernice Gaul Book
February 25, 1925 — July 3, 2023
Bernice Stessman Gaul, daughter of Alfred and Beatrice (Leuschen) Stessman was born on February 25, 1925 in Panama, Iowa. She received her sacraments at St. Mary’s and attended school there as well. She attended college at Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas.
On June 18, 1947, she was united in married to Gerry Gaul. They made their home on a farm just outside of Earling. To this union 7 children were born: Gloria (Jack) Kenkel, Tom (Carol) Gaul, Alice (David) Snell, Rick (Marietta) Gaul, Jeff (Mary) Gaul, Janet (Phil) Blum, Diane (Dave) Weis. Gerry passed away on May 16, 1993.
Bernice was a member of the Catholic Daughters and did much volunteer work. She was a teacher, bookkeeper, and bank teller but her favorite was being a mom. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, traveling, sewing, quilting and playing cards. She loved spending time with family and friends.
On April 15, 1997, Bernice was united in marriage to Melvin Book. They continued to live on the farm near Earling. Mel died July 6, 2017. She was a loving care-giver to both of her husbands.
Bernice was a very faith-filled person and was welcomed to her heavenly home on July 3, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was 98.
She is survived by her children and her stepchildren Gary (Jane) Book, Terry (Joyce) Book, Denny (Diane) Book, Joe (Cheryl) Book, Bob Book (Sharon Stessman), Randy (Dena) Book, Jim (Colleen) Book, Mary Jo (Mark) Schraeder, Becky Remington, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husbands Gerry and Mel, son-in-law Dave Weis, and great grandchild Wyatt Santee. Her parents and siblings and their spouses, Margaret (Jim) Walsh, Ethel (Alvin) Heller, Alvin (Delores) Stessman, Bill (Jane) Stessman.
On June 18, 1947, she was united in married to Gerry Gaul. They made their home on a farm just outside of Earling. To this union 7 children were born: Gloria (Jack) Kenkel, Tom (Carol) Gaul, Alice (David) Snell, Rick (Marietta) Gaul, Jeff (Mary) Gaul, Janet (Phil) Blum, Diane (Dave) Weis. Gerry passed away on May 16, 1993.
Bernice was a member of the Catholic Daughters and did much volunteer work. She was a teacher, bookkeeper, and bank teller but her favorite was being a mom. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, traveling, sewing, quilting and playing cards. She loved spending time with family and friends.
On April 15, 1997, Bernice was united in marriage to Melvin Book. They continued to live on the farm near Earling. Mel died July 6, 2017. She was a loving care-giver to both of her husbands.
Bernice was a very faith-filled person and was welcomed to her heavenly home on July 3, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was 98.
She is survived by her children and her stepchildren Gary (Jane) Book, Terry (Joyce) Book, Denny (Diane) Book, Joe (Cheryl) Book, Bob Book (Sharon Stessman), Randy (Dena) Book, Jim (Colleen) Book, Mary Jo (Mark) Schraeder, Becky Remington, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husbands Gerry and Mel, son-in-law Dave Weis, and great grandchild Wyatt Santee. Her parents and siblings and their spouses, Margaret (Jim) Walsh, Ethel (Alvin) Heller, Alvin (Delores) Stessman, Bill (Jane) Stessman.
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