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MARQUETTE, MI – Bernice J. Nees, age 77, of Chocolay Township, entered eternal life Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at UP Health System – Marquette.
Born August 23, 1943, in Midland, Michigan, a daughter of Leslie and Irene (LaBelle) Croschere, Bernice was the third oldest child in the family and was raised in Marquette. She attended grade school and high school at Bishop Baraga, graduating in 1961. Bernice began her working career at the Northland Hotel and also enrolled at Northern Michigan University. In 1965, she met her future husband, Fred Nees, at the Roosevelt Inn and it was love at first sight. Bernice was a good dancer and that especially captured Fred's attention. Fred was serving in the military at the time and couldn't take his eyes off of her. They began dating, got engaged, and on May 7, 1966 were married at St. Christopher Catholic Church. In the following years, 1967 and 1968, two wonderful daughters were born. Following Fred's honorable military discharge in 1968, the couple built their first home in Marquette. While the children were young, Bernice was a stay at home mom, who enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening, craftwork, and camping all over the UP with her family. Everyone loved her handmade slippers, doll clothes, and her B-bears. She enjoyed having gatherings at her home, hosting large dinners, and gathering around the kitchen table for coffee with family and friends. She and Fred often enjoyed taking Sunday drives. Bernice loved to take scenic car rides with her sisters and niece Anna fondly referred to as a triple A tour, and going with her children, sisters, and brothers-in-law to the casinos where she frequently had lucky moments. She loved collecting rocks that appeared to have funny face formations. An avid reader, her favorite author being Charles Todd, while her love of music was fashioned after her favorite singer, Bob Seger. Bernice loved to go shopping, but when it came to shoes she often struggled to find shoes for her small feet. Allen Shoes in Bay City solved her shoe dilemma with she and Fred often stocking up on her size. The salespeople knew her on sight and fulfilled her requests while Fred often would go out for a walk. In 1978, Bernice returned to the workforce, first at the Holiday Inn for about five years and then as a desk clerk at the Ramada Inn. In the 1990's, she was employed with MFC Bank and later returned to the Holiday Inn working in the finance department. She retired in 2010. Throughout the years, the couple continued to build, renovate, and build again, estimating they had moved 18 times.
However, her greatest fulfillment and enjoyment came from spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren, and her grandpuppy, Mason.
Bernice is survived by her husband of 54 years, Frederick "Fred"; daughters, Mary Jo "Muggy" (Alex) Saari of Auburn Hills, MI and Nancy (Shawn) Schultz of Green Bay, WI; her grandchildren, Kristoff (Sarah) Saari, Lily Saari, and Emily Saari; step-grandchildren, Michael Schultz and Jacob Schultz; siblings, Donna (John) Lamirand, Jo Ann Morrin, Jack Croschere, Leslie Croschere, Larry (Debra) Croschere and Katie Croschere; brother-in-law, Ronnie Juneman; sister-in-law, Debbie Croschere; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and furry granddog, Mason Saari and great-granddog, Bruce Saari.
In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by siblings, Connie Juneman and Kenneth Croschere.
A public visitation will be held at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Saturday, December 12, from 11:00 until 12:00 noon. Masks and social distancing are required. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Greg Heikkala, pastor.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswanson hansen.com