Bernice R. Schutte

Mankato Mortuary 1001 N. Riverfront Drive Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 388-2202 Bernice Regna Schutte, age 94, of Mankato, died Monday, January 12, 2015, at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Mankato following a short illness. Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 15, 2015, at Mankato Mortuary, with Rev. Paul van de Crommert officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Bernice was born on April 8, 1920, in Clinton Falls Township to Nels and Eline (Sorenson) Wullum. She was a 1939 graduate of Red Wing High School. Bernice was united in marriage to Arnold "Bud" Schutte on November 22, 1941, in Mapleton. They later divorced. Over the years, Bernice was employed at the Red Wing Shoe Factory, was a Meter Maid in Mankato, and retired from the Viking Lounge and Motel in 1987. She ran the "Free Clothes Closet" at First Presbyterian Church in Mankato. Bernice enjoyed playing cards, cooking, baking, traveling, volunteering, social work, helping others, attending rummage sales, the companionship of her dogs and cat, and being with her family. Bernice is survived by her two daughters-in-law, Emily (special friend, Ben Benson) Schutte of North Mankato and Peggy (Ray) Wibstad of Nicollet; seven grandchildren, Irene (Brad) Leiferman of Mankato, David (Karrie) Schutte of North Mankato, Sandi (Jared) Hutchison of Missouri, Kevin Schutte of Belle Plaine, Darrin Schutte of Mankato, Jenna (special friend, John Wolf) Schutte of North Mankato, and Chad Krosch of Vernon Center; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mildred Westberg of Whitewood, S.D. and Norma Jean McKillip of Houston, TX; also many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Larry in 1985 and Richard in 2008; grandson, Todd; and former husband, Bud. Bernice's family would like to express their appreciation to her guardian, Becky Mohwinkel, Hillcrest Health Care Center, and MCHS-Mankato Hospice for their care during Bernice's illness.