Berniece Emma Diepholz Rowe
September 5, 1920 - April 20, 2020

“Bernie” (as everyone knew her by) passed away peacefully in her sleep in McKinleyville, at the young age of 99 ½ years! She will always be remembered for her loving ways; her well-known greeting of “Hi-Hi”; her excited “OOOOOO”; her love of anything chocolate; and her love of any food item that tasted “peachy”.

Bernie was born at home on a farm on the shores of Lake Madison, near Wentworth, South Dakota. She was the only child of Arnold and Anna Diepholz. Being raised up on a farm in South Dakota was such an enjoyable time of her life! Her amazing stories recalling her time as a child and teenager on the farm were captivating and fun!

On her tenth birthday, Bernie received a piano from her parents, and that started her love of music. She played piano throughout her life, and in later years, she learned to play the organ for church. She always called her piano her “Best Friend”.

Bernie was Valedictorian when she graduated from High School in 1937 and she was only 16 years old! She then went to college and graduated with a teaching credential by 18 years old. She started teaching 7th and 8th graders at 18 years of age at a school in Madison, South Dakota in 1939.

Married on April 14, 1946 to Russell Rowe, she moved from South Dakota and made California her new home state. Bernie started teaching again once she received her CA credential from San Francisco State Teachers College. She was a teacher for thirty-five (plus) years, retiring in June of 1980. Bernie was always known for her gentle ways and for the patience to teach any student.

Bernie was an avid Oakland Athletics baseball fan. If she couldn’t be at the game in person, she would watch it on TV. She was a Booster in the 70’s and on her 93rd birthday she attended an Oakland A’s home game where she got an autographed ball from her favorite player, Coco Crisp.

Berniece is survived by her son, Robert; her son, Richard (Cheryl) and grandson Nicholas; her daughter, Janis (John Grondalski) and grandsons Joshua and Jordan, and granddaughter Jocelyn; her step-son, Douglas (Sharon) and grandson Richard and granddaughter Kimberley; her step-son, Alan (Sherri) and her grandson Jeffrey and granddaughter Wendy; and five great-grandchildren; and all of her beloved cousins, nieces and nephews spread around the country.

Berniece was predeceased by her father, Arnold Diepholz; her mother, Anna Rentz Diepholz; and her husband, Russell Edward Rowe.

The family would like to especially thank Visiting Angels of Eureka, for all of the wonderful care: especially Hailee, Jordyn, Ruth, Elise, “Riley”, Susanna, Lisa and Melissa. To Hospice of Humboldt for all their kindness, compassion, and tender assistance since December.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. If you are interested in attending, please email janisg@suddenlink.net for upcoming information.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Berniece Rowe’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.