Bernice L. Rygh, age 92, of

Lake Mills, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Kiester with the Rev. Chris Fiske officiating. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills, and again at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will take place at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Kiester.

Bernice Lucille Rygh, daughter of Lewis and Lillian (Cox) Rygh, was born Sept. 21, 1912, in Eden Township, Winnebago County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and remained a life long member there. She was very faithful in her work for her church and served in many capacities. She was Sunday School Superintendent, LCW, stewardship officer, circle officer, served on the Alter Guild and on various committees. Bernice was an excellent seamstress and made quilts the year around to donate to charities.

She cared for her parents until their death and worked at Fleetguard in Lake Mills until her retirement in 1977. She then became active in Senior Citizens in Lake Mills and served as an officer, worked in the “Meals on Wheels” program and also volunteered at the Lake Mills Nursing Home where she spent many hours helping with activities there.

She lived at her home in Lake Mills until she became unable to live alone and then she went to live with her sister Mavis Flo in Albert Lea. Mavis cared for her until she broke her hip and then she moved into St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Bernice is survived by one sister, Mavis Flo of Albert Lea; one sister-in-law, Wanda Rygh; 15 nieces and nephews; 30 great-nieces and -nephews; and a host of great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Lewis and Lillian Rygh; three brothers: Cecil, Glenn and Lloyd; brother-in-law, Marlin Flo; sister-in-law, Alma Rygh; one great-nephew, Dan Anderson; and great-nieces: Kristen Brekke and Emily Wedel.

Bernice always placed others needs above her own and will be sadly missed.