Bernita Rosela Jennen was born in Sisseton, SD on January 1, 1943 to Giles and Leila (Douglas) Fonder. She grew up on a farm near Peever, SD. She was the youngest of 12 brothers and sisters.
She worked at the Community Hospital in Sisseton, SD for a few years. Then she worked at the Tekakwitha Nursing Home as an medication aide and then worked in the laundry for many years.
On August 11, 1962 Bernita married William L. Jennen Sr. in Sisseton, SD. She left the nursing home and worked at Power Century, then she worked at Dakota, and finally at CDP Hospital as an housekeeper and then in the laundry before retiring.
Bernita liked to play cards, Suduko, sew, make donuts, cook, bake and visit with family and friends.
Bernita passed away on January 27, 2016 at Tekakwitha Nursing Center. She was 73 years old. She is survived by her spouse William Jennen Sr. of Sisseton, SD; 3 sons William L. Jennen Jr. and wife Julie of Sisseton, SD, Robert L. Jennen of Watertown, SD, David Jennen and spouse Darryl of Bridger, MT; 5 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters Belle and Myron Steiner of Eden, SD and Mrs. Barbara Janisch of Sisseton, SD.
She is preceded in death by her parents, 7 sisters and 2 brothers.
Private family memorial services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to William L. Jennen Jr. at 12028 463rd Ave. Sisseton, SD 57262 and they will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Society.