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Bernice Stoderl was born on December 8, 1930, in Iona, Minnesota to Edward and Margaret Kellen Breitbarth. She grew up in Iona and graduated from St. Columba High School in 1948. Bernice then attended St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Mankato, MN graduating with a Nursing Degree. On August 1, 1951, she and Edgar “Oscar” Stoderl were married at St. Columba Church in Iona. Following their marriage, they made their home in Iona and raised their three children. Bernice worked at the Slayton Home Hospital until it closed, and the new Murray County Hospital was built. Bernice worked as a surgical nurse at the new hospital. Oscar passed away on March 25, 1995. Bernice retired in 1998 after 42 years of service. Bernice passed away at her home on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the age of 94. She was a member St. Columba Church in Iona until it closed. Bernice enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing cards, and casino bus trips. Bernice was known for her Christmas bags which were filled with her homemade treats like peanut clusters, Chex Mix, caramel corn, and her knitted hangers.
Survivors include her two children, Tim Stoderl and his wife, Donna, of Elk River, MN, and Mary Klopstad of Heron Lake, MN, eight grandchildren, Trent and Chelsey Stoderl, Maran and Justin Marsh, Brad and Angie Klopstad, and John and Tammy Klopstad, four greatgrandchildren, two brothers and their spouses, Al and Jean Breitbarth of Hopkins, MN, and Art and Nancy Breitbarth of Bloomington, MN, and one brother-inlaw, Marvin Wilson, of Winona, MN. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Oscar, son, Bob Stoderl, three siblings, Jerry and Harriet Breitbarth, Fred and Berniece Breitbarth, and JoAnn Wilson.
Visitation was held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com. In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to Murray County Hospice.
