Bernice Mae (Stenroos) Bergstedt, 91, resident of Esko, passed away on December 5 ^th , 2020 in Augustana Mercy Care Center of Moose Lake. She was born on September 28 ^th , 1929 in Cloquet to Orrie and Mayme (Johnson) Stenroos.

She was a beloved wife, mother, and homemaker. Bernice worked several part-time jobs throughout the years, most notably at Upper Lakes Foods.

Bernice was a member of the Esko Apostolic Lutheran Church. She enjoyed her time with the gardening and sewing clubs in Esko and in her latter years, her time with the birthday club. Bernice also enjoyed golfing with the ladies' league in Cloquet, aerobic classes, playing cards with her friends at Pine View in Carlton, and was an excellent entertainer and cook. Her recipes will be cherished and used by her family for many holidays to come.

Bernice was Esko High School's first homecoming queen. On May 13 ^th , 1950 Bernice married the love of her life, Robert Bergstedt. They spent 61 years together.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; twin granddaughters, Aubrey and Stephanie; granddaughter, Riika; parents; step-mother, Bertha; brother, Loren; and son-in-law, Bud.

Bernice will be forever remembered by her children, Mark (Lori, her caregiver), Keith, Roberta Grove, Philip (Joyce), and Todd (Karen); grandchildren, Katy, Buckley, Orrie (Brooke), Nick (Jessica), Jessica (Sam), Erika (Ian), Jana, Karly (Matt), Alyssa, and Carmen; great-grandchildren, Ruuben, Ida, Saima, Lempi, Vivian, Oskari, Olivia, Ava, Judah, and Theo; siblings, Beverly, Orrie, Paulette (Ron), and Ruby (Arne); and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Bernice's family would like to thank the staff and friends at Suncrest in Cloquet for the love and care they provided over the past couple of years.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10am until the 11am Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 10th, 2021 in the Apostolic Lutheran Church of Esko. Pastor Bruce Bergstedt will officiate. Inurnment will be held immediately after, pending the weather, in the church cemetery followed by a luncheon.