Bernita Mae (Bushnell) Grimm

Bernita Mae Grimm, 98, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, in Manchester.  She was born on April 12, 1918, in Manchester, the daughter of Loren and Lulu (Ross) Bushnell.  Bernita attended Oneida Consolidated School, graduating in 1935.  She attended Iowa State Teachers’ College and received her teaching certificate.  Bernita then taught at Randall and Osage.

On June 17, 1942, Bernita was united in marriage to Paul Carl Grimm at the Oneida Methodist Church.  They farmed together near Earlville.  During this time Bernita attended Upper Iowa College and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 1968.  She taught remedial reading at Maquoketa Valley for 22 years.  The couple moved to Manchester in 1974. Paul passed away on January 12, 1988.

Bernita was a devoted and faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Delaware, Iowa, where she was confirmed on December 19, 1948.  She was a Sunday school teacher and active in the women’s groups.  Bernita was very actively involved in the 4-H program.  She was an original member of the 4-H Food Stand Committee, a 4-H leader for many years, a member of the County 4-H Extension Committee, and the Delaware County Farm Bureau.  Bernita was also active in the Manchester Women’s Club, the American Cancer Society, the Audubon Club, and volunteered at Camp Courageous.

Bernita loved attending her family’s school activities and sporting events.  She cherished the time they spent together.

Survivors include her six children, Gloria (Ron) Jacobson of Nevada, Grayden (Janet) Grimm of Farley, Gene (Melinda) Grimm of Indianola, Gary (Nancy) Grimm of Manchester, Gail Grimm of Winona, Minnesota, and Geri Lou (Rod) Dirth of Apple Valley, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Audrey Bushnell of Manchester; and several nieces and nephews.

Bernita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; and her brother, Dr. Burton Bushnell.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Delaware, Iowa, or Maquoketa Valley’s Dollars for Scholars.

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