Bernice Biehl

Bernice Ella Biehl

May 3, 1917 - January 24, 2015

Bernice Ella Biehl, age 97, long time resident of Bellaire, Michigan died peacefully, Saturday January 24, 2015 at The Heritage Haus, located in Bellaire. Bernice was the daughter of the late Frank and Elsie (Brunkow) Hintz, born May 3, 1917 in Western, Nebraska. She graduated from Western High School in 1935 and received an Accounting Certificate from the Lincoln School of Commerce in 1939. Bernice worked three years in a drug store behind the counter while in Western, Nebraska and then six years in the accounting department of L.L. Coryell & Son Gasoline Company in Lincoln, Nebraska.

After having met Harold Marion Biehl of Mancelona, Michigan on a blind date in October of 1942, Bernice and Harold's relationship blossomed, and upon his return from the military, they were married January 1, 1946 in Lincoln, Nebraska. After their marriage, they made their home in Bellaire. Bernice initially worked for the Migrant Labor Department of Antrim County for one season and later as church secretary of the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church from 1969-1977. Since 1981, Bernice and Harold spent their winters in Mesa and later Tucson, Arizona where they visited many historic locations and spent precious time with family and friends.

Bernice was an active member of the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church, and a member of the United Methodist Women, which she served as president for two years. She sang in the church choir and often performed solos, duets and trios. She also served in numerous other capacities in the church and was well-known for her homemade cookies and pies. Bernice's sweet nature, dedication, and kind demeanor will clearly be missed by her family and friends.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Harold January 30, 2000, her sister Leonore Hintz, daughter-in-law Peggy Biehl, and son-in-law Craig VanSice. Surviving is a son Harold J. of Hudson, Michigan, two daughters, Sharon (John) Donovan of Milwaukie, Oregon, and Debra VanSice of Tucson, Arizona. Also surviving are five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, three sister-in-laws, four brother-in-laws, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7th Twelve Noon at the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church with Pastor Eric Falker officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, February 6th, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Interment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery, Bellaire in July.

Memorials may be directed to the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church or Antrim County Commission on Aging. Bernice's family encourages you to sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.