Bernice Irene Hannula

HURLEY, Wis. - Bernice Irene Hannula, 89, of Hurley, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Marquette, Michigan, with her loving family by her side.

Bernice was born on Dec. 2, 1933, in Republic, Michigan, a daughter of Arne and Aili (Carlson) Kerkela. She attended Republic High School and graduated in 1953.

Following graduation, she moved to Hancock, Michigan, and worked at the A&P grocery store. While living there, Bernice made many friends and she enjoyed working at the store because it was always neat and clean. Then, she moved to Milwaukee and worked at Allen Bradley.

On Feb. 28, 1970, Bernice married Kenneth Hannula in West Allis, and they made their home in New Berlin. Following Ken's retirement, they moved to Kimball.

She was an active member at Little Finland in Kimball.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Ken; two sons, David (Kris), Waterford, and Steven (Kelly), Garden City, Idaho; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four sisters, Dorothy Heinonen, Shirley Martin, Darlene Kerkela and Donna Mattila; a brother, Robert (Nancy) Kerkela; her sister-in-law, Roberta Kerkela; her brother-in-law, Raymond (Carol) Hannula; along with many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, James Kerkela; and a sister, Diane Kerkela.

A celebration of Bernice's life will be held at a later date.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan, is helping the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.