Bernice E. Schluns, 95, of Clinton, passed away Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. Bernice was born in Clinton, IA on April 3, 1926 to Thomas and Angeline (Tigges) Schluns. Bernice graduated from Clinton High School in 1944 and obtained her RN from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Dubuque, IA.

Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church with Funeral Services immediately following. Pape Funeral Home is assisting the Family. Bernice will be laid to rest in Saint Mary’s cemetery. Memorials in her honor may be made to Sarah Harding Senior Living.

Bernice has left this earthly world and is in heaven with her loving husband, Earl Christian Schluns. Bernice is survived by her 17 children (Linda Dietterich, Patricia Kitchen, Mary Crider, Jane Carolus, Ann White, LaVonne Thompson, Maureen Voss, Teresa Whealon, Marty Schluns, Donald Schluns, Leonard Schluns, Robert Schluns, Julie DeValois, Kathleen Watt, Lisa Schluns, Janine DeVries and John Schluns) as well as 49 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She is survived by her sister Marion Spooner and many nieces and nephews.

Bernice is preceded in death by husband Earl, son-in-law’s Charles W Dietterich and William Kitchen, grandson Jonathan Kitchen as well as her parents Thomas and Angeline Leonard, siblings Ray, Jack and Donald Leonard, Delores Simmons and Kathleen Clouse.

Bernice is best remembered for her love of Earl. They represented our great country in WW2, and eventually married on September 10, 1947. Their love knew no bounds. They traveled far and wide visiting many unique locations and always making a new friend or two.

Bernice was always baking treats for her children and grandchildren to enjoy; from hot cross buns to pecan rolls, fudge, divinity and cinnamon rolls. She did love her sweets! She learned much of this from her mother, Angeline. Bernice left us many great virtues to remember. First, GOD is always in your heart. And second you better go to mass.

She was also proud of her children and their many accomplishments and worried over each and every one of them every day. She was most proud of her children and the virtues she instilled in them knowing they will transfer their learnings to their children.

Bernice had so many funny quirks like re-using old socks to wrap around her daily Diet Coke so her hands would not get sweaty, to making sure everyone had a piece of bread with supper. She was a mean bridge player and enjoyed playing games and cards. We always will love our Mother and Grandmother. Heaven has a new angel that is watching over us all. Smiling down, hand in hand with Earl.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Sarah Harding for the special care given to Bernice plus a grateful and sincere thank you to Rhonda her caregiver.