Bernice Hedge
Bernice Hedge
Bernice Hedge
July 26, 1918 – September 22, 2014
Ottumwa, Iowa | Age 96
Bernice Helena (Ver Ploeg) Hedge, 96, of rural Fremont passed away Monday, September 22, 2014 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center in Ottumwa. She was born July 26, 1918 on a farm near Leighton, Iowa, the daughter of Conrad and Mae Klaaren Ver Ploeg.
Bernice graduated from Pella High School with the class of 1935 and later attended Central College in Pella where she received her teaching degree. Bernice taught in country schools around Mahaska County for 5 years. She then attended A.I.B. where she received her associate’s degree and later worked at the Tennessee Valley Authority for several years. From 1943 until 1946, Bernice served as a supply clerk with the U.S. Marine Corp in California.
On June 18, 1947, Bernice was united in marriage with Rex Blair Hedge at her parent’s home near Leighton. They had been married 65 years when Rex passed away on August 20, 2012.
Bernice was an active member of the Fremont United Methodist Church and was involved with U.M.W., teaching Sunday school, and singing in the choir for 48 years. She was also a member of P.E.O. Chapter X, King’s Daughters, Cedar Creek Club, Bridge Club, Just-A-Mere Club, and a long-time 4-H leader.
Bernice loved life on the farm and traveling with Rex. She also enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, reading, bowling, puzzles, and the Chicago Cubs.
Bernice’s family includes: her son, Bruce Hedge of Big Lake, Minnesota; a daughter, Becky Sterling of Fremont, Iowa; 4 granddaughters: Nichole Sterling of New York, New York; Jennifer Sterling (& Peter Krebs) of Atlanta, Georgia; Kara (& Chris) Gately of Palmer, Alaska; Mackenzie Hedge of Moorhead, Minnesota; and two great grandchildren: Ezra Gately and Wilhelmina Krebs.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex; her parents; and two sisters: Lucille DeBruin and Joyce Voelker.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 10 A.M. at the Fremont United Methodist Church with Reverend Leila Disburg officiating.
Burial will be in the Cedar Township Memorial Cemetery south of Fremont.
Visitation will begin Friday, September 26, 2014 at 3 P.M. at the Fremont Funeral Chapel with the family present at the funeral chapel from 5 – 7 P.M. to greet friends and relatives.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Central College Journey Scholarship Fund, Red Thread Charities (China orphanage aid), or a charity of the donor’s choice.
