Surrounded by family and blessed by the prayers of those who love her so dearly, Bernice Marie (Pfau) Geiger, 88, entered eternal life on Easter Monday; April 10, 2023.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 4:30 – 7:00 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 14, 2023, at St. Anne Catholic Church with celebrant Fr. Wayne Sattler and assisted by Deacon Wayne Jundt. The Rosary and funeral mass will be livestreamed on the Bismarck Funeral Home website Burial will be held in the Spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Bernice was joyfully welcomed as the first of eight children to Joseph & Gertrude (Gustin) Pfau on Saturday, March 9, 1935. “Bea” attended elementary school in Flasher, ND. At the age of 14, Bea enrolled in Sacred Heart Academy Minot, ND where she considered a religious vocation. She returned to Flasher to help her parents, completing her HS degree in less than 3 years serving as Valedictorian. Bea moved to Bismarck the following week and began what would become an impressive 34-year career, serving in various roles with NW Bell Telephone Co. She was the recipient of a national award in recognition for her tenacious ability to collect “final bills”.
Bea married Leo Geiger on May 29, 1954, at St Lawrence Catholic Church in Flasher, and while working multiple jobs, they raised three children (Valerie, Bruce & Patrick). They worked tirelessly to build a foundation of faith, stability, and hard work ethic into their family.
Bea was incredibly thrifty, generous and had exceptional organizational skills! Though she suffered many significant trials in her life, Bea clung to her Catholic faith and persevered. An exceptional problem-solver, regardless of the circumstance and challenge, Bea would find a way to work through it – or find a way around it!
“Grandma Bea” will be lovingly remembered for her unwavering commitment to her Catholic faith (watching Mass numerous times throughout the day) and pride in her family. She was a staunch supporter of her family members’ activities and will be remembered for the many unique and quirky traits that made her the beautiful person that she was. Bea was an active member of the Bismarck Eagles Auxiliary and Telephone Co. Pioneers. She also volunteered tireless hours of time & talents to various community and church functions.
Bea’s family will be forever grateful to those who were so incredibly kind and attentive to her medical needs these past few weeks. Dr. John Erickstad & Colette; Renae Duppong; Monica Schaff; the staff at CaringEdge Hospice and Edgewood Village. May you be richly blessed for your kindness to our mother!
Grateful for the blessings & powerful role model of our mother include Valerie (Wayne) Jundt and Patrick (Carol) Geiger. Jundt Grandchildren/Great grandchildren: Kathryn (Jesse) Gregory; Jozef, Philomena, Maria, Athanasius, Agatha, Rita & Agnes. Anne (Ben) Chambers; Luke & Veronica. Geiger Grandchildren/Great grandchildren; Audrey (Ryan) Mayer; “Molly”. Rebecca (Sean) Heath; Elizabeth & Samuel. Matthew (Joan) Geiger; Cecelia & Leo. Siblings James, Judy Howard and Richard (Portland OR).
Bea was preceded in death by her husband Leo (1987), son Bruce (1986), her parents and siblings Mildred Hoffman, Leonard Pfau, Josephine Kranig & Mary Werner.
In lieu of flowers, please have a Mass offered for the repose of the soul of our beloved Bernice and/or a memorial can be made in her honor to the SMCHS Band Department, %1025 N 2 nd Street, Bismarck ND 58501
Dearest Mother: You will be sorely missed and never forgotten! May our Risen Lord, the Choirs of Angels and All of the Saints welcome you to Paradise!