Bernice Marie (Dauffenbach) Peterson, age 96 of White Bear Lake, passed away peacefully on January 28 ^th at Encore Assisted Living in North Branch.

Preceded in death by loving husband Ken, daughter Terri Fenn, parents Frank and Rosella Dauffenbach, brothers Jim, Bob, and Merle Dauffenbach, sisters Hazel Jones and Elaine Michels, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Survived by daughters Pat (Dick) Miller, Vicki (Jim) Guerin, sons Tom, Jim, and John (Shelly) Peterson, and Terri's partner J.P. Peterson; 8 grandchildren: Jodi Pillsbury (Dan Atkins), Kelly (Grant) Riebel, Stacie (Nick) Strohbeen, Stephanie (Chuck) Prickett, Danielle (Jarret) Oulman, Ralph Fenn (Anna Nowak), Ben Peterson, and Kayla (Zach) Shields; brothers Frank and Dave (Patsy) Dauffenbach and sister Judy (Jim) Little. Also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, longtime friend Lorraine Arcand, and many nieces and nephews.

Bernice was born in Nicollet County on August 11, 1926. She was raised in the St. Peter area and graduated from St. Peter High School in 1944. She married Ken Peterson in 1946 and moved to White Bear Lake, where she spent most of her adult life. She was a dedicated member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 1782 in White Bear Lake for many years. She became State President of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for the years 1985-1986. She was thrilled when her daughter, Terri, became involved in the VFW along with her, and they attended many meetings and other activities together. Bernice worked in the White Bear Lake school system and St. Mary's school as a teacher's aide, and also did volunteer work often. Her love of family, community, and country was evident throughout her life.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 8 ^th at St. Mary's Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Mass and service following at 11:00 am.  Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the VFW in White Bear Lake.