Bernice L. Niss, 101
Fairmont – Services for Bernice “Bee” L. Niss, age 101, of Fairmont, were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fairmont. Burial followed in Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery in Fairmont. Bernice passed away Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, at Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center in Fairmont. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bernice “Bee” Loreen (Hartjen) Niss was born Aug. 16, 1922, in Dumont, the daughter of August Carl and Anna Mary (Kruger) Hartjen. She was baptized and later confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Dumont Lutheran Church. Bee attended elementary school in Dumont and later attended Wheaton High School where she graduated with the class of 1940. Following her graduation, Bee went on to attend teachers training and earned her certificate in 1941.
Bee taught for a short time at a country school near Traverse City, before she was united in marriage to Robert Louis Niss on June 13, 1943, at Dumont Lutheran Church in Dumont. The couple made their home on a farm near Fairmont, where they farmed for many years before “retiring” and moving into town.
Bee loved life on the farm and could often be found helping where needed. Following their retirement, Bee and Bob enjoyed winters spent in Arizona and treasured the many memories made on their travels to many places all over the world. She looked forward to warm summer days spent at the golf course and was always up for a day at the lake fishing. Bee was an avid billiards player where she won numerous trophies and her quiet time was spent crocheting, working on crossword puzzles, and baking pies. Her competitive spirit was evident as she made sure not to miss an opportunity to play cards at the Senior Center and she enjoyed attending dances. Bee cherished time spent with family, and was extremely proud of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory is her son, Carroll (Dianne) Niss; grandchildren, Kim (Todd) Steuber, Mark (Jacki) Niss, Boni (Yuri) Berndt, Shari (Mark) Brown, Holly (Cody) Snyder; great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Kyle, Ashley, Andrea, Alyssa, Rian, Will, Coral, Hartley, Lauren, Linnea, and Liam; great-great-grandchildren, Sydnee, Kinlee, Brinlee, Brylee, Charlie, Harper, James, Graham, Brooks, Jedsyn, Rayah, and Rylee; as well as many other extended family and friends.
Bee was preceded in death by her parents, August and Anna Hartjen; daughter, Kathy Olsen; son-in-law, Milo Olsen; three brothers, three sisters, as well as many other extended family.
The family requests memorials be left in Bee’s name to The House of Home in Fairmont, CREST, Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Talking Book Library.
www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net