Bernice VanStrate

Bernice Anna VanStrate, 92, of Alba, died peacefully, Sat. Sept. 26, 2015 at Meadowbrook Medical Care Facility. She was born April 21, 1923, in Glidden, WI, the oldest daughter of Henry and Marie (Polzine) Heldstab. Bernice was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and loved her church family. She enjoyed playing cards and dice, especially the game Yahtzee. She was an excellent bowler and bowled often. Bernice loved to feed her family and friends and was known for her delicious pancakes too. She played and taught piano lessons and crocheted many things including oven towels and scrubbies for her loved ones. Surviving are her son's Carleton Reynolds and Edward VanStrate, her grandchildren Brenda (Mike) Noppenberger, Robin (John) Vanstrate, Karen (Al) Smith, Chris (Cal) Castle, Tammy (Mike) Hadidon, Ed (Janie) Vanstrate, many other grandchildren, and several other great and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Rex Coats, her first husband Frank Coats, second husband Herman VanStrate, stepson Cliff Vanstrate, granddaughter Debbie, great grandson Kevin, and several siblings. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 2, 2015 at 1pm at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Mancelona with Pastor Eric Black officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 am until the time of service. Interment will follow in Star Township Cemetery, Alba. Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.