17 Mar Ernestine Bercier

On March 11, 2021, God called Ernestine Marie Bercier home. She was 91 years old.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 19, 2021 at the Bismarck Funeral Home.  Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery, St. John, ND. A Livestream of the Service will be available on the Bismarck Funeral Home Facebook page.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home, with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 PM.

Ernestine was born to Rose Keplin and Ernest LaFountain. Only a month old, she lost her father. Her mother remarried Joseph Keplin, who raised Ernestine from age 8.

Ernestine found love at a young age and married Joseph Bercier. They made their home in Belcourt, North Dakota where they had twelve children. She worked in a jewelry plant while still caring for her large family. She devoted her life to her children and grandchildren. Ernestine found joy in caring for her grandchildren. After raising her twelve children, she continued to care for many grandchildren whom she helped raise.

In 1989, she suffered the loss of her husband. The loss of Joseph was hard for Ernestine. Thirty-one years she carried her love for her husband until she gained her wings and was reunited with him. Her family grieves her loss, but they find comfort knowing Ernestine and Joe are together once again.

After the passing of her husband, she found her home in Bismarck, ND to be closer to family. She enjoyed playing Bingo. Talking on the phone with loved ones and visiting her family was always important to Ernestine. She loved playing card games or board games, especially Aggravation, with her grandchildren.  Anybody who visited her would leave with a smile from her quick wit. She gave her outspoken love insight and insisted on finding one’s new love. Her sense of humor will always be remembered. Collecting dolls of indigenous fashion was a hobby she enjoyed. Her pride in her culture reflected in her artwork. Ernestine enjoyed beading beautiful earrings. Sewing blanket and pillow sets was another talent of hers. A favorite past time was crocheting. Her faith was important, every day she made time to say her rosary. She will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by daughters, Beverly Sturm, Minot; Deborah Bercier, Minot; Rose Bercier, Bismarck; and Barbara (Vince) Poff. Her sons, Bradley Bercier, Bismarck; Bobbie Bercier, Belcourt; Benjamin Bercier Sr., Bismarck; Thomas Bercier Sr., Belcourt. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rose Keplin and Ernest LaFountain; stepfather, Joseph Keplin; siblings; husband, Joseph Bercier; sons, Darrell Bercier Sr., Michael “Jimmy” Bercier Sr., Linus Bercier Sr.; granddaughter, Amy Jo Bercier; great-grandson, Landon LaVallie.