Bernice "Bernie" Marie Szymanski was born November 14, 1930, in Campbell County, WY, to Guy and Elaine (Nordgren) Kephart. The family moved to Western South Dakota in 1938, and in 1949, she graduated from Sturgis High School. In 1952, Bernice married George Szymanski at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with the Rev. C.D. Erskine officiating. Bernice and George raised four children.

Bernice began her career in banking at Bear Butte Valley Bank before joining the staff at the First National Bank, both in Sturgis.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 73 years. Bernice remained active in the church and choir throughout her life. She also was a member of the bell choir and was an ordained elder and deacon. Bernice will be remembered for always acknowledging her friends and family by sending cards and greetings.

Some of her best times after retirement were spent motorcycle riding with George and their friends they met along the way. They logged many miles on the motorcycle.

Bernice died Monday, December 11, 2017, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her sister, Elsie Kephart; three daughters, Kathryn "Kate" (Henry) Karrels and Elizabeth "Beth" (Linn) Bauer, both of Sturgis, and Mary Szymanski (Bill Martin) of Live Oak, TX; one son, Bill (Pamela) Szymanski of San Antonio, TX; 8 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Gale; parents, Guy and Elaine Kephart; and her husband, George.

Visitation is Sunday, December 17, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Rev. Denzel Nonhof officiating. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Memorial have been established to the First Presbyterian Church or the Lippold Hospice Suite at Sturgis Regional Hospital.

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