Berniece M. Kahler

Berniece Marie Kahler was born in rural Otter Creek Township south of Kiron, Iowa, October 21, 1910 the daughter of Otto J. and Anna W. (Lindberg) Larson. She was one of seven children in the family. She received her early education in the rural school and graduated from Kiron High School in 1928. Following high school she worked for several years at the Canada Drug Store in Kiron, before and after attending the National Business Training School in Sioux City, Iowa. She graduated from the Academy of Beauty Culture, Sioux City, Iowa, in 1935 and returned to Kiron and opened Berniece?s Beauty Shop which she owned and operated for 28 years before retiring. In 1940, Berniece was united in marriage with Leslie P. Swanson and their union was blessed with one daughter, DeArliss and one son, Douglas. Leslie died of a massive heart attack in 1954. Berniece continued working in her beauty shop until 1964 when she retired and was united in marriage with William Kahler. They made their home in Denison, spending their winters in Arizona from 1968 through 1975. Mr. Kahler passed away in 1984. Due to her failing eyesight Berniece moved to Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison in October of 2004 and it was there her death occurred Friday evening, November 14, 2008. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 98 years and 23 days. Berniece was baptized and became a member of Kiron Baptist Church in 1943, and, after moving to Denison, she transferred her membership to the Denison Baptist Church in 1965. She was an active member and shared her singing talent as a soloist and also duets with her daughter. She served as Secretary-Treasurer of the WMS for 15 years and on the Social Committee for 15 years. She was a member of the Crawford County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary serving at the hostess desk and helping in the snack bar and was a long time member of the Crawford County Republican Women?s Organization. Berniece was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining her children, grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Receiving a gift of her fresh home-baked rye bread was always a special treat. Another treat for her family were the many popcorn balls at special times and the many varieties of home-baked pies and candies. She also made delicious peanut clusters that she loved to share with anyone who stopped to visit. There was always something delicious to eat at her house. In her retirement years she was able to pursue several hobbies such as patch quilts, knitting afghans and many pairs of slippers. But her most enjoyable way to pass time was reading many books from the library. As her eyesight began to fail she was grateful for the large print books and enjoyed reading them until that was no longer possible. Those preceding Berniece in death besides her parents and two husbands were all of her siblings; Howard, Edgar and Wallace Larson, Cora Johnston, Faye Pfeiffer and Doris Frahm. Immediate family members left to mourn her passing include one daughter, DeArliss Gustafson of Denison, one son, Dr. Douglas Swanson of San Diego, California, five grandchildren, Patricia and husband, Daniel Ahart of Denison, Melanie and husband, Greg Ulmer of Arvada, Colorado, Craig Swanson and wife, Nancy of Coronado, California, Scott Swanson of Palm Springs, California and Stacey and husband, Peter Davidson of Livingston, New Jersey, 12 great grandchildren, Christopher Ulmer and wife, Kristin of Englewood, Colorado, Allan Ulmer and wife, Dara of Lakewood, Colorado, Justin Ulmer and wife, Eva of Aurora, Colorado, Devin Ahart of Ames, Iowa, Paige Ahart of Lincoln, Nebraska, Danielle and Sydney Swanson of Coronado, California, Ian Morrison and Graham, Griffin, Dylan and Quinn Davidson all of Livingston, New Jersey,5 great great grandchildren, Quintan Tristen, Owen, Grace and Benjamin, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Losing our dear mother and grandmother has left a deep void in our family, but we are comforted knowing she is now with Jesus free from her pain and her eyesight restored. Now she is able to SEE all the beauty of her new Heavenly Home. Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at the Denison Baptist Church with the Rev. David J. Sohl officiating. Music for the service included the congregation singing two hymns, "Leave It There" and "What A Day That Will Be" with Mary Jane Petersen serving as organist. Private family inurnment was held at the Kiron Cemetery in Kiron prior to the memorial service. Following the memorial service the family invited all in attendance to join them in the church Fellowship Hall to share in a meal and fellowship. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.