Berniece "Bernie" Marie (Ries) Gassman

Berniece “Bernie” Gassman, 95, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at The Meadows in Manchester. She was born on August 5, 1922, in New Vienna, the daughter of John and Barbara (Elenz) Ries.  Bernie was raised and educated in New Vienna. Bernie helped out on the family farm and was also hired out to help area farming families.

In 1939, Bernie met Francis Gassman, who hauled cream for her family. On October 8, 1940, Bernie and Francis were united in marriage at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna.  Four children were born to this union. The couple farmed together their entire married lives, mostly in the Edgewood area.  The couple enjoyed going to dances and playing cards.

Bernie was a longtime member of St. Mark Catholic Church.  She served in various ministries including, president and vice-president of the Rosary Society and assisted with many events and meals. Bernie was also a member of the Farm Bureau.

Survivors include one son, Dale (Deb) Gassman of Manchester; three daughters, Dianne Williams, Carol (Tom) Morarend, all of Manchester, and Lynn (Jim) Harkin of Ankeny; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Alma Brunsmann of Manchester.

Bernie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Francis, in 2007; one granddaughter, Stacie Williams; five brothers, Alphonse and Gert Ries, Vincent and Mercedes Ries, Clarence Ries, Herbert and Alvina Ries, and Arthur and Louise Ries; three sisters, Dorothy and Ray Biermann, Loretta and Clete Brunsmann, and Esther and Art Steffen; one son-in-law, Francis Williams; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Mathilda and George Ries, Aloysius and Leonette Gassmann, Cecelia and Nick Hennen, Cletus and Jeanette Gassmann, Germaine and Clete Heying, Cyril and Alvina Gassmann, Arnold and Rita Gassmann, Clarence and Charity Gassmann, Leora and Alan Seymour, and Harold and Bernice Gassmann.

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