Bernice Laura Ostendorf Hansmeyer, 80, of Cloquet, died peacefully on January 7, 2009, from breast cancer at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Cloquet.  Funeral services for Bernice were held on Monday, January 12, 2009, 3:00 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Clarissa with Fr. David Maciej officiating.  Interment was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Clarissa. 

Bernice was born on June 11, 1928, in St. Anthony to Henry and Bertha (Gresser) Ostendorf.  She grew up on her family’s farm in St. Anthony and at the age of 13 her family moved to a farm by Long Prairie.  As a young adult Bernice worked at a bakery followed by 2 yrs. of employment at the local dime store.  In 1946, Bernice met the love of her life, Leo, whom she married.  They owned a dairy farm by Clotho for 45 years.  The Lord blessed them with 14 children, 30 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  Bernice was a nurturing mother who especially loved her babies.  She loved providing for her family by gardening, baking, canning and mending.  She was a punctual, hard working, energetic wife and mother with a good sense of humor.  Bernice shared her many talents and taught her children by example how to use their resources wisely.

Bernice, her husband and children faithfully attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Clarissa.  She has always prayed for her children and instilled in them a love for God.

Bernice is preceded in death by her husband Leo, parents: Henry & Bertha; son: Thomas; daughter-in-law: Annette Hansmeyer; sister: Elizabeth Stein; brothers: Cyril, Jerry and Arnold; sister-in-laws: Bernice Ostendorf, Doris Ostendorf and Jeanette Willets; brother-in-laws: Clarence Woodman, Bob Hall, Thomas Stein, Wayne Stimson, Ralph Hansmeyer, John Hansmeyer and Vic Hansmeyer.  She will be missed by her children:  Jim (Candy) Hansmeyer of Lake George, Gene (Lila) Hansmeyer of Esko, Cecile (Dale) Schmidt of Minneapolis, Joe (Toni) Hansmeyer of Dundas, Len (Ardell) Hansmeyer of Carlton, Rose (Tom McMaster) Hansmeyer of Minneapolis, Theresa (Larry) Bowman of Watkins, Mary Hansmeyer of Minneapolis, Dorothea (David Schons) Hansmeyer of St. Paul, David (Sonya) Hansmeyer of Ramsey, Bernandette (Mark) Bennett of Big Rapids, MI, Monica (Mark Morrissey) Hansmeyer of Bemidji, Tony (Joyce) Hansmeyer of Eagle Bend.

Bernice is also survived by her 30 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, brother: Henry (Elvia) Ostendorf Jr. of Linn, MO, sisters: Alvina (Dean) Woodman of Minneapolis, Arlene Hall of IL, Bernett Stimson of Stillwater, and Cora (Richard) Stenberg of Springfield, MO, sisters-in-law: Violet Ostendorf of Long Prairie, Alice Hansmeyer of Brookfield, WI, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Margaret & Joe Johnson of Little Falls.