Bernice Minnie Deike

Deike, Bernice M., of Richfield passed away on November 30, 2025 from complications resulting from pneumonia. She approached her death with the same grace and dignity she carried herself throughout her 99 years, 8 months, and 4 days. She was looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday. Sadly, it was not meant to be.

She had a fulfilling life raising her children, knitting, quilting, gardening, needlepointing, crocheting, bowling, and traveling. It was a life well lived and without regret.

The focal point of her life was her church where she, at various times and at different churches, served as organist, Sunday school teacher, Bible study teacher, Stephen Minister, and bookkeeper from her teens until she was in her late 90’s. In turn, her church sustained her through losses of husband, daughter, and numerous brothers and sisters.

She was a kind and gentle person and she will be sorely missed by her friends and family.

Survived by her sons, David (Jackie) Deike and Robert (Marcia) Deike; grandson, C.J. (Sarah Carlsson) Deike; great-grandson, Ben Carlsson; siblings, Marlys Panning-Roepke, Darlene Panning-Steffer, Sharon Panning-Birkholz; Stanley (Mary Ann) Panning; sister-law, Carol Panning and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Deike; daughter, Jean Deike-McDonald; and siblings, Harriet Panning-Shulz, Verdilla Panning-Lord, Shelvie Panning-Olson; Norman Panning, Hillard Panning and LeRoy Panning.