On Saturday, February 23, 2008, we lost Bernice Grace Lorenz. She was born November 2, 1913 in Lake Preston, South Dakota to William and Martha (Finnern) Paulsen. At birth, her hip was misshapen, a condition that with proper medical attention could have been easily corrected, but due to her family's circumstances, she lived with her entire life. Even though she walked with a pronounced limp, it was always difficult to keep up with Bernice. As an infant, her family lived in Round Lake, Minnesota but later moved to Sioux Valley where she attended school. She played the violin and graduated from Sioux Valley High School as valedictorian in 1932. Coming of age in a rural community during the depression, Bernice traded room and board for housekeeping and babysitting services for the local pharmacist and his wife. Then, in 1935, she was recommended for a position at the US Post Office. This was a blessing because it meant a regular paycheck or "cash money" as Bernice put it. Cash was a precious commodity in those days and highly coveted. With her $30.00 per month salary, Bernice was able to put together a small nest egg during this time preparing for her eventual family. Bernice met George Lorenz at a dance in Sioux Valley in 1937. They were married March 26, 1939 at her family home. George and Bernice's first son,only lived 13 days, but their family grew to 3 sons and 2 daughters in the years following. Her legacy flourished and at the time of her death, she had 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Bernice remained a farm wife and homemaker until George died in 1989. She was an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Worthington, where she taught Sunday School, was a member of Church Circle, Release Time and the hand bell choir. She was also a member of 4H, Extension Club, Project Club and participated in the county fairs. Bernice was a prolific baker. She was famous for her cinnamon rolls, elephant tracks, homemade caramels and sour cream apple pie. At local bake sales, her pans of baked goods were the first to go. It is an ongoing baking challenge for her children and grandchildren to make her specialties taste "just like Beanies". While we miss her quick wit and no nonsense approach to life, we will remember her forever in our hearts.