Bernice Pedersen

Psalm 4:8 “I will lie down and sleep in peace; you alone, oh Lord, keep me perfectly safe”

Bernice (Bernie) Pedersen from Scotland, South Dakota departed peacefully from her earthly home to be united with Jesus and reunited with Paul (PJ) in heaven on March 6, 2025 at the age of 87 years.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service, Monday, March 10 at Scotland Community Church. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 11 at the church. Interment will be at Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland.

Bernice, the daughter of Theodore and Emilia (Orth) Auch was born on September 16, 1937 at rural Lesterville, SD. She was baptized at the Petersburg Congregational Church on November 7, 1937 by Reverend Carl L. Green, and was confirmed on May 18, 1952 by Reverend R. W. Reiger. Bernice met Paul, the love of her life, on the Scotland school bus. Bernice was united in marriage to Paul J. Pedersen on May 6, 1956 at the Petersburg church of rural Lesterville. Bernice and Paul spent a lifetime farming near Lesterville. Bernice’s pride and joy was her family. She spent a lifetime attending, supporting, and loving her children and grandchildren. Later in life her joy extended to the next generations. Bernice worked at a drugstore in Yankton, SD and became Paul's partner in the work of their dairy farm after they married. She was also active in her community and church. She taught Sunday school and enjoyed Bible study for 30+ years with a neighborhood group that became like family. She also was a 4-H leader in Yankton county for several years. Women’s fellowship at the Scotland community Church became an integral part of her life as well. In later years, she was employed at the Scotland Good Samaritan Society as an assistant in the activities department. This job was so enjoyable to her, and she loved visiting and helping the residents especially on a one-to-one basis. It was only fitting that she would spend the last two years of her life at the Good Samaritan Society right next-door to the activities room. Bernice loved traveling with Paul and their camper, spending time with family in the great outdoors, playing piano, and supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their various sports and theatre activities. When family arrived, she stopped whatever she was doing to welcome them with open arms, food, and a good time that usually involved cards or dominos; she made sure her flock was well-fed while holding her own in a game of pinochle. She enjoyed reading, had a fierce sweet tooth, and took delight in the feathered friends who visited her backyard. She kept a lovely garden and tended to those she loved even better. We are beyond blessed to have had Bernie grace our lives with many beautiful moments that will become treasured memories. Bernice is survived by her children, Cindy (Kevin) Deutscher of Flandreau, SD and Lori (Jeff) Buechler of Adams, Nebraska; grandchildren, and their families: Travis (Amber) Deutscher-Monica (Sam Major, great-great-grandchild, Tyler), Kaydyn, and Bryson; Joshua (Lindsay)-Jolie and Kai; Sara (Austin) Olivier-Henry: Matt Buechler-Braddock and Maclynn; Tyrel (Maria) Deutscher and Alison (Nicholas) Root.

Bernice was proceeded in death by her husband, Paul Pedersen; her parents, Theodore and Emelia Auch, and brother, Eugene Auch.