Bernice “Bunny” Wheeler, 96

Winnebago — Bunny Wheeler, age 96, of Winnebago, formerly of Delavan, died peacefully with her family at her side, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Parker-Oaks in Winnebago.

Funeral services were held Dec. 12, 2008, at Faith Lutheran Church in Delavan. Rev. Todd Substad officiated. Burial was in East Lutheran Cemetery, Delavan. Spencer-Owen Funeral Home of Winnebago was in charge of arrangements.

She was born Bernice Margrette Halverson on May 18, 1912, at Delavan, the daughter of Otto J. and Netta (Hermanrud) Halverson.

She was a graduate of Delavan High School in 1930 and entered the nursing program at the Immanuel Hospital in Mankato that same year. She graduated with her RN degree in 1933. Bunny was united in marriage to Kenneth Wheeler on Aug. 27, 1944, in Delavan. They had three children, Mark, Steve and Sue. She loved nursing and helping others. She worked in private duty, hospitals and the Mankato Clinic until her marriage. She spent thirty years serving Dr.’s Mills, Halverson and Armstrong at the Winnebago clinic.

She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Delavan and enjoyed being involved with W.E.L.C.A., alter guild and the Naomi circle. She loved to read, learn, and try new things. Other memberships included the Delavan Book Club, Garden Club, and the Ecumenical Bible study group. She loved to travel and took many trips with family and friends. She enjoyed all kinds of crafts and used her talents to become a self taught painter. She has left her family with many of her wonderful paintings and craft projects.

She is survived by her sons Mark (Sandra) Wheeler of Delavan and Steve (Elizabeth) Wheeler of Northfield, daughter Sue (Michael) Heller of Red Wing, seven grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and brother Orville (Harriet) Halverson of Mapleton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, brothers Norman, Julian and Erling, sister Esther Eidbo, and two step-sisters Murlea Muller and Mary Louise Casey.