Bernice F. Josten

Bernice F. Josten

ELGIN, Nebraska -- Bernice F. Josten, 91, formerly of Elgin, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2014, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, Nebraska.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2014, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Elgin, with Revs. Ross Burkhalter and Curtiss Dwyer officiating.

Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 5:30 -7:30 p.m. at the church with a 7:30 p.m. wake service. Huffman-Levander Funeral Home in Elgin is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com

Bernice Florence Josten, daughter of Henry and Mary (Deitering) Heithoff, was born at Elgin. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church, graduated from St. Boniface High School in Elgin and graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in Grand Island, Nebraska.

On Aug. 22, 1946, she was united in marriage to Sylvester "Vet" Josten at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Elgin. The couple made their home in Elgin and Bernice worked as a registered nurse at the Neligh Hospital.

Over the years, she also worked as a dental assistant and as a school nurse. In September 2003, the couple moved to the Willow Ridge Retirement Center at McCook, Nebraska, and in June 2007, they entered the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

Bernice was a lifelong member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. She loved the healthcare profession, living a healthy lifestyle, fishing, playing organ, piano and accordion, and spending time with family.

She is survived by her four children, Jean Breen and husband, Pat of Farnam, Nebraska, Judy Ferril and husband, Jac of Aurora, Colorado; Jim Josten and wife, Corrine of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Doris Friehe and husband, Ron of McCook, Nebraska; grandchildren, Carrie Krist and husband, Jim, Greg Stuhr and wife, Charlotte, Aaron Stuhr and wife, Valaree, Scott Stuhr and wife, Stephanie, Fr. Curtiss Dwyer, Gina Eidinger and husband, Jason, Nora Bonfoey and husband, David, Carl Dwyer and wife, Sarah, Jennifer Burns and husband, Adam, Annie Perkins and husband, Andy, Mary Ellen Josten, Valerie Tonkin and husband, Brionn, Sam Friehe and wife, Kayla, Brian Friehe and wife, Tiffany; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Verlene Heithoff of Canada and Mary Ann Heithoff of California; one brother-in-law, Kenzy (Clem) Josten of Oregon; along with many nieces, nephews other relatives.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sylvester in 2007; two brothers: Alvin and Lavern Heithoff; and one sister Beatrice.