Bernice "Bernie" Kalkbrenner's Obituary
Mrs. Bernice Lee “Bernie” Kalkbrenner, age 103, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 29, 2023 at her home in Grand Haven, Michigan. She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 20, 1920 to Raymond and Ruby (Wilson) Berry. Bernie resided in Tucson, Arizona for 44 years prior to moving to Grand Haven in 2016. She married Charles “Chuck” Kalkbrenner on December 9, 1991 in California and they enjoyed 33 years together. Bernie maintained life-long relationships with her high school friends, the “Pertilies Group”. She was active in theatre, plays, concerts, and sang with the Sweet Adelines for 20 years. Most importantly, Bernie cherished her family, and they always came first. Bernie is survived by her husband, Charles Kalkbrenner; daughter, Janice (Mike Russell) Heft-Russell; stepchildren, Karen (Robert) Smith, Keith (Tracy) Kalkbrenner, Chuck Kalkbrenner, and Chris Kalkbrenner; granddaughter, Melissa (Ken) Koster; grandson, Marc Heft; great-grandchildren, Anne Koster, Sara Koster, Jack Koster, McKenzie Heft, Madison Heft, and Oscar Heft; and sister-in-law, Margaret Mary Hoffman. Bernie was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby Polly and Ramond Berry; two daughters, Mary Jane Paulson and Judith Avery; grandchildren, Cynthia Paulson, Carla Paulson, Casey Paulson, and Eric Heft; great-granddaughter, Alexzandria Heft; and two brothers, Charles Berry and Edward Berry. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held. Arrangements by The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Bernie’s family would like to thank the staff at Grand Pines Assisted Living for their love and care over the past four years.
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