Bernice M. Hokeness, 102, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at the Cedars of Austin.

Bernice was born July 11, 1914, in Elkton, Minnesota, to Samuel and Laura (Hagen) Swenson. She attended Elkton schools and was confirmed at Little Cedar Church in Adams in 1929. After attending Winona State Teachers College for two years, she went to Miss Wood’s School for kindergarten and primary training in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bernice taught five years in Iowa where she met her future husband, Myron Hokeness. They were married on June 30, 1940, at Little Cedar Church in Adams. They made their home in Rembrandt, Iowa, for six years where Myron taught and was superintendent. They moved to Elkton where they farmed for 11 years. They lived in Elkton until 1987, when they moved to The Cedars of Austin. Bernice belonged to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Elkton since 1967, where she was a WELCA and circle member. She was also a Red Cross volunteer for 15 years and a charter member of the Elkton Grange. At The Cedars, she enjoyed leading exercise, playing pool, cards, dominoes and Bingo. She also played in the Cedars Kitchen Band.

Survivors include her two children, Bryant (Ann) Hokeness of Elkton, and Maribeth (Jim) Pool of Lake Forest, California; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elkton. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in the St. John’s Cemetery. Memorials may go to the donor’s choice.

Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.