Bernice Joyce (Sivesind) Doering, age 89 of Caledonia, Minn., passed away peacefully in her home with family at her side.
“Bea” was born June 23, 1934, to Gladys and Henry Sivesind. Bea graduated from Spring Grove High School where she was active in choir and theater. Her father died in her senior year. After high school, Bea was recruited by Dr. Ahlfs to be his assistant in the Caledonia Clinic. While Bea was waitressing at C&D Cafe, she met the love of her life, Harley. They married in 1955 and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, (1956-1959) where Harley was stationed in the Air Force. There, they helped found the Lutheran Church of Hope. Faith was an important part of Bea’s life and church was that cornerstone. She sang in church choirs, taught Sunday School, chaired the meatball supper, delivered Meals on Wheels and was a member of the Altar Guild, the quilting group, and church circle.
Bea and Harley moved to St. Paul, Minn., in 1959 and in 1961, Bea’s mother Gladys married Howard Doering. They moved to Caledonia to begin dairy farming in 1967. Bea was proud of her ability to raise dairy calves and produce top quality Grade A milk. A farmer for 30 years, Bea held many roles including wife, mother, daughter, and cook extraordinaire. Bea was the keeper of the kitchen who loved both to entertain and to bring her delicious Lutheran Church Lady casseroles to many. Everyone was welcome at her table. Her kitchen was her pride and joy as was feeding her family and friends. To this end, the Homemakers group was an important way to socialize with other couples. Bea was highly involved with her children and grandchildren’s activities. She strongly encouraged higher education with her children and grandchildren. Bea valued traveling with her family in the US and abroad. In retirement, Bea loved the warmth of many years of good weather and friendship as Winter Texans. Most recently, Bea and Harley celebrated 69 years of marriage.
Bea is survived by her husband Harley, children Holly (Gary) Becker, Jeff (Kathy) Doering, Heidi Doering, and Jennifer (Greg Krzecki) Doering; five grandchildren: Dylan (Andrea) Becker, Courtney Swenson, Abigail (Ben) Hase, Brandon (Ally) Doering and Eve (Nicolas) Le Flem. Four great-grandchildren include Liam and Charlotte Swenson, and Vance and Alanis Becker. We honor Bea’s dearest lifelong friends Geri, Norma, and Teresa.
Bea was preceded in death by Gladys Doering, Henry Sivesind, and Howard Doering.
We acknowledge the tremendous care provided by the Mayo Clinic Caledonia staff including Dr. Michelle Rein and nurses Jo and Marilyn. Our thanks to the Mayo Hospice with special thanks to all her hospice caregivers including Tuesday, Liz, Gloria, “Laura from Decorah” and Dr. Bingol.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday June 22, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia, Minn. Pastor Steven Meyer will officiate. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery immediately after the service.McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family.