Berniece Evangeline (Sarnstrom) Leonard, 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Red Wing, Minn., on Oct. 26, 2023.
She was born on May 27, 1927, in Pierce County, Wis., to Elenora (Swanson) and Clarence Sarnstrom. Berniece lived all of her life in Pierce County, until moving to Deer Crest Senior Living in Red Wing, Minn., in 2018.
Berniece married Myron James Leonard on March 18, 1947. Berniece and Myron farmed their entire lives. Berniece was a devoted homemaker at heart but also worked at Midget Cafe in East Ellsworth, Wis., Ray’s Cafe in Ellsworth, Wis., and Nybo’s Landing in Red Wing, Minn. Berniece and Myron had two sons, the late James Leonard and Jerry Leonard. The family worked together on the farm, later forming a family business named Country Hill, Inc. Their farm was recognized as a Century Farm and remains in the family today. As their sons took over the business, Berniece and Myron were able to enjoy wintering in Scottsdale, Ariz., near a couple of Berniece’s siblings.
With all the family living nearby, Berniece was very involved in the care of all her grandchildren, with whom she created a lifelong bond.
Berniece and Myron loved to travel, experiencing new places and meeting new people, visiting six countries and numerous states. They were also active members of the Pierce County Farm Bureau and the Ellsworth Methodist Church. She was an avid collector of milk glass and all things cardinal.
After Myron passed away in 1992, Berniece continued her very active life, traveling with friends to places such as Nova Scotia and a cruise through the Panama Canal. She remained involved in her church and learned how to line dance.
Berniece was always an avid quilter, seamstress, and crafter. She also enjoyed puzzles and reading, and was strong in her religion and faith. But most of all, she enjoyed time with her family, whether it was an impromptu visit, a casual dinner out, a road trip, a holiday gathering, or a hot dog roast out on the farm celebrating her 96th birthday.
In 2018, Berniece moved to Deer Crest Senior Living where she continued to be active and engage in every available activity and field trip.
Berniece is survived by her son, Jerry Leonard; granddaughters, Gina Leonard, Nicole Leonard Jalichandra (Richard Jalichandra), Jenna Leonard-Spah (Mike Spah); grandson, Michael Leonard; five great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren; her brothers, Arnold (April) Sarnstrom and Lyle (Lou) Sarnstrom; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held at Svea Lutheran Church in Hager City, Wis., from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, with Memorial Services to follow at noon. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
Cremation and memorial services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth, https://oconnellfuneralhomes.com, 715-273-4421
