Bernice Elizabeth Kindschi

Bernice E. Kindschi, 95, of Waterloo, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026, at Friendship Village Wellspring Living, in Waterloo.

She was born on April 22, 1931, in Bridgewater, SD, daughter of Edward H. and Kathryn E. Lafferty Konzem Krier. Bernice graduated from high school in 1948, in Mitchell, SD, and attended one year of business college in Mitchell, SD. She married Lorenz “Pete” Kindschi on June 22, 1950, in Mitchell, SD. He died September 14, 2009.

Bernice worked as a housekeeping supervisor for Friendship Village for 18 years, retiring in 1996. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo. Bernice served as an Eucharistic minister for many years, taking communion, and leading the rosary for residents at Ravenwood Care Center. She led rosary at church and funerals. She also volunteered at Lakeview Landing and Lodge.

Bernice enjoyed crocheting, and sewing clothing and quilts. She loved animals. She also liked tending to her flowers, gardening, and traveling with Pete in their motor home.

Bernice is survived by her children, Karen Rae Kindschi (Wicke) of St. Paul, MN, Debra (Nicholas) Hernandez of Waterloo, Robert (Cheryl) Kindschi of Lafayette, IN, Rozanne (Michael) Buhrow of Cedar Falls, and Michael (Michele) Kindschi of Evansdale; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; and three sisters, Eleanor Johnsen of Rapid City, SD, Irma Keen of Riverside, IL, and Kathie Stai Smidt of Huron, SD.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pete; infant daughter, Karen Bernice Kindschi; three sisters, Victorine Fjelstad, Lorraine Malmgren, and Rose Krier; son-in-law, Robert Wicke, infant brother, Marcetus Krier; and six brothers-in-law, Wayne Johnsen, James Keen, Dick Stai, Ron Smidt, Dale Fjelstad, and Richard Malmgren.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 AM Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 627 W 4th St, with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, both in Waterloo. Visitation: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Friday, June 26, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, with a rosary at 4:00 pm and vigil at 6:30 pm. Memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or to the family. Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family, 319-233-3146.