Bernice Smith

Bernice Julian Smith, 97, of Burlington, died Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at the OakView Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Burlington.

Born October 14, 1925, in Warsaw, IL, she was the daughter of Henry A. and Mary J. Glass Wenzel. On January 26, 1952, she married Levi Ray Smith in Keokuk, IA. He later passed away on September 26, 1996.

Bernice graduated from Warsaw High School.

Bernice worked at St Francis Care Center as a nurse aid for 29 years, retiring in 1988. She walked to and from work each day, no matter the weather.

She loved to be outdoors; either working in her yard or gardens or going for her daily walks around town.  She enjoyed crossword puzzles and dancing. Bernice will be remembered for being a kind and giving person. 

Survivors include her children, Debbie (Ronald) Freitag, Jerry (Marda) Smith and Raymond Smith all of Burlington; five grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters Rita Wenzel, Annamae Gibson, Kathryn Haas. two brothers Henry Wenzel, Joseph Wenzel and two grandsons Aaron Freitag and Eli Smith.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Prugh Funeral Service 3940 Division Street location.

The Graveside Committal Service for Mrs. Smith will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held after the graveside service at Prugh Funeral Service in the community room.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Hope Haven Area Development Center.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.