Bernice Smith

Drake

Bernice Ida Smith, 86, of Drake, ND, died unexpectedly Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the St. Aloisius Hospital in Harvey. Arrangements with Hertz Funeral Home of Harvey.

Bernice was born on May 5, 1937, in Drake, ND. She was the daughter of Leopold and Charlotte (Lepke) Krueger. Bernice grew up in Drake and graduated from Drake High School in 1955. She was once married to Gene Kemper and they had a son, Dale Kemper. The family lived in Washington and California. After her divorce she and Dale moved to Drake. Bernice married Alvin J. “Al” Smith on November 19, 1967, in Drake. They lived in Drake, where she was the bookkeeper at the Drake Pharmacy, which was owned by Al. Bernice and Al closed the pharmacy in 1996 and she retired. She and Al enjoyed traveling.

Bernice was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Drake, where she continued to be part of the group that sewed many quilts for charitable causes. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Drake.

Bernice is survived by her husband Al of Drake; son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Sheila Kemper of Gilbert, AZ; three grandchildren, Willum, Lauren, and Nolan Kemper; brother, Gordon Krueger of Maple Valley, WA. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Glen Krueger; stepfather, Ferdinand Jans.

Services are being planned for a later date, including interment in the Drake Cemetery.

Share online at www.hertzfuneralhomes.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 3, 2023.