Bernice H. Wettersten, age 93 of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Majestic Pines Senior Living in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Bernice Hazel was born February 10, 1930, in Red Wing, Minnesota to Geroge and Hazel (Lovejoy) Larson.  Bernie was raised on Prairie Island and graduated with the Class of 1947 from Red Wing High School. After graduation Bernie moved to St. Paul and worked for Northwest Airline's central office accounting department.

Bernie met her husband, Richard Wettersten, at the ULLR Down Hill Ski Club, and they were united in marriage on July 22, 1961, in St. Paul, Minnesota. They purchased a home in Cottage Grove, MN, where they lived for the next ten years while starting their new family. Bernie loved to dance, garden and go camping with her husband and kids. In 1971 Dick changed jobs, and the family moved to Pratt KS for five years before another job change brought them back to Ogilvie, MN.  Here, in addition to enjoying quilting, ceramics and antiques; Bernie became active in civic service, serving on the Ogilvie school board, the Brunswick Town Zoning Board, and becoming a Master Gardner. Upon retirement, Bernie and Dick moved to Wahkon, MN, enjoying lake life for eighteen years before moving to the Grand Rapids area.

Bernie enjoyed traveling to all 50 of the United States as well as China, Japan and Cuba.  She loved family gatherings, sailing, and continuing education classes throughout her life. Sailing became a strong family interest, and Bernie and Dick became familiar visitors to lakes Superior and Michigan in addition to most of Minnesota's larger lakes. They also sailed their boat, the "Morning Star", down the big rivers to the Gulf of Mexico, and spent a great deal of time exploring the Gulf Coast and the Florida Keys.

Bernice is survived by her husband of 62 years, Richard; daughters Jenny Wettersten (Beth) of Grand Rapids, MN; Kara Wettersten (Cindy) of Grand Forks, ND; son Erik Wettersten (Emily) of Evergreen, CO; grandchildren Cole and Lucy Wettersten; and brother-in-law David Wettersten. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother George, her brother-in-law Donald Wettersten, and her sisters-in-law Marie Wettersten, Carrie Wettersten, and Sallee Larson.

It was Bernice's wish that no formal services be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be directed to the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society of Isle Royale on Lake Superior (https://rockofageslps.org/), or donor's choice.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.