Bernice Jahnke Koecher

Bernice Jahnke Koecher was born June 20, 1919, to Andrew and Jenny Beck Christensen in Tyler, MN. On April 10, 1941, she was united in marriage to Harold Jahnke at Mansfield Lutheran Church. The couple farmed in the area and Bernice was also employed at the Urbatsch Veterinary Clinic in Albert Lea. In later years, Harold and Bernice were caretakers of apartment buildings in Ellendale and Albert Lea. Harold died August 21, 1990. On September 16, 1995, Bernice and Fred Koecher were married at the Thorne Crest Chapel. He preceded her in death September 4, 1998. Bernice was a member of Mansfield Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid. She loved animals and enjoyed caring for them. Survivors include brother-in-law, Maynard Jacobson; sisters-in-law: Gwen Christensen Marie Jahnke, Anna Jahnke, and Bertha Larson; and many nieces and nephews. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Harold Jahnke and Fred Koecher; brothers: Eddie, Bernard, and John; and sister, Annabel Jacobson.