Bernice Amanda (Raveling) Steffen was born September 16, 1923 to Bert and Lena (Rosenau) Raveling in Waterbury Township, Redwood County.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Waterbury Township.  She attended rural School District #78 for 8 years and then Wabasso Public School for 4 years of high school.  On June 3, 1947, Bernice married Russell Steffen at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Waterbury Township.  Together, they raised 3 sons, Merlyn, Dallas and Wayne.  She was active at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lucan.  She taught Sunday school for 9 years and was the Sunday School Secretary/Treasurer.  Bernice was also treasurer of the Ladies Aid for 10 years and served on the Altar Guild for many years.  Bernice was well-known for her freshly baked bread and caramel rolls and had a special day teaching her youngest granddaughter to make her caramel rolls from scratch.  She delighted her grandchildren, family and friends with a cake on their birthdays.  At Christmas time you would be assured the freezer was full of goodies and her table decorated beautifully.  Bernice also enjoyed working in her vegetable garden and canning.  She was always active on the farm helping out wherever needed.  She was passionate about dancing and would spend the night dancing with friends and her husband.  She enjoyed playing card games with friends and family until recently when her health declined.  Her favorite card games were 500 and Low Card in the Hand (Lucan Rummy).  She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Bernice is survived by her sons: Merlyn (Gerri), Dallas & Wayne (Jody); grandchildren: Rhonda (James) Pohlen, Jay (Lori) Steffen, Ronald (special friend Shirly Abear) Steffen, Neil (special friend Presley Forbes) Steffen, Matthew (Pam) Steffen, Lee (Jasmine) Steffen, Ryan (Katherine) Steffen, Marc (Katie) Steffen, and Theresa (Ryan) Alvarez; great-grandchildren: Ella, Jada & Crist Pohlen, Jaxston, Bryson, Reagan, Jameson, Mason, Naomi, Barry, Graham, Clare, Bennett, Gerritt & Aubrie Steffen and Leona & Ada Alvarez; step-great grandchildren: Jaedyn & Jarrett Long; step-great-great-grandchild Owen Long; sister Lorraine Mertens; brother Donald (Ardyce) Raveling; 2 nieces & 3 nephews; special friend Evelyn Gewerth; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Russell (in 2004), brother-in-law Robert Mertens & niece Janell Raveling.