Bernice Mary (Podrasky) Gehlen

Bernice Mary Gehlen age 93 of Hutchinson, formerly of Silver Lake, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2016. She was born on December 10, 1922 to Henry W. and Mary A. (Matousek) Podrasky. Loving wife, mother and grandmother who was a faithful servant of her church and community. She was a hard worker who enjoyed gardening, canning, connecting with friends and family on Facebook, and an individual who had endless energy. She was very precise on how she cooked and did her canning, having a motto of: “quality ingredients results in a quality product.” Bernice was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Silver Lake. One June 15, 1948, Bernice married the love of her life, Joseph W. Gehlen at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Silver Lake. The two built their business, Gehlen Farm Service, together in Silver Lake. They were blessed with five children, Joseph, Mark, Mary, Paul and Jon. Bernice enjoyed living at The Pines in Hutchinson and being involved in many activities while living there, including the bell ringing choir and Wii bowling. She started the welcoming club and book club. Bernice also made sure everyone had a friend, finding ways energize people through exercise class, bingo and keeping running averages for Wii bowling. She loved to keep things organized. Bernice was active in the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Lions Clubs, Rosary Sociality, St. Joe’s (Holy Family) Quilting and the Holy Family C.C.W. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Gehlen; parents, Henry and Mary Podrasky; infant brother, Henry Podrasky; and twin great-grandsons, Willem and Thomas Gehlen. She is survived by her children, Joseph (Pam) Gehlen, Mark (Paula) Gehlen, Mary (Tom) Quiring, Paul (Dianne) Gehlen and Jon (Jennifer) Gehlen; grandchildren, Joe (Leanne) Gehlen, Lindsay (Matt) Wegge, Sean (Angie) Gehlen, Megan (Eric) Skarnes, Jacque Gehlen, Keith Quiring, Eric Quiring, Grant Gehlen, John Quiring, Kate Gehlen and Brooke Gehlen; great-grandchildren, Joey, Natalie, Mae, Elise, Olivia, Ella, Audrey, Jacob “JW” and other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 4 to 8 PM with a rosary and C.C.W. prayers at 5:00 PM and parish prayers at 7:30 PM at The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake. A Mass of Christian Burial for Bernice Gehlen will be held Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 10:30 AM. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Silver Lake with Father Paul Schumacher as celebrant. Interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Silver Lake. Honorary casket bearers are the quilters of Holy Family Catholic Church

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