Bernice Marie “Meme” Moonen of Delano, passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020. She was 84 years of age. Bernice was born June 9th, 1936 to Wally and Emma (Blizil) Kotilinek in Maple Lake, Minnesota.

Bernice graduated from Maple Lake High School in 1954. She was united in marriage to Kenneth J. Moonen on June 7th, 1958 at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake, MN.

Bernice and Ken would later move to Loretto, MN raising seven children and then in 1974 Bern and Ken would move to their forever home in Delano, MN and start J&J Glass and Glazing.

Wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend – Bernice was so much to so many! Bernice had SUPERPOWERS… one in particular was her power to make those around her feel better about themselves. As a testament to this all 1.25 million of her grandchildren knew that THEY were her FAVORITE. Bernice loved sharing “her story”, dancing, playing cards, painting, gardening, and when needed turning from angel to archangel wielding a fierce wooden spoon insisting that “We have 10 acres – take it outside!” or “I am NOT driving to Waconia Hospital!”

Any gatherings of family or friends at the family round table brought Bernice great joy.
Until we meet again Bernice, Mom, Meme… your work here is complete, your legacy lives on in those you have touched, rest in peace.

Bernice was preceded in death by parents Wally and Emma (Blizil) Kotilinek; sister-in law and brothers-in-law Don Demarais, Willy Bauman, Leroy and Marie (Wiebel) Moonen and parents-in-law Ben and Bernice (Pouliot) Moonen. Bernice is survived by her husband of 200 years Ken; sister Bev Demarais; children MaryJo (Ed) Schaust, Mark (Lisa), Dan (Paula), Ted (Joan), Jen (Steve) Brost, Dave (Katrina), Ben (Tina); grandchildren Kate Schaust, Robert (Rachelle) Schaust, Tony Moonen, Max Moonen, Ellie Moonen, Danny Moonen, Claire Moonen, Kyle Moonen, Kelly Brost, Nikki (Evan) Litke, Zack Brost, Jake Brost, Clay (Alexa) Brost, Emma Moonen, Lily Moonen, Gracie Moonen; great-grandchildren Eliason and Evelynn Schaust, Lucy Litke; Treasured In-Laws, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and Friends.

Memorial Service was held at 11 AM on Monday, December 28, 2020 at St. Maximilian Kolbe (St. Peter Campus) in Delano. Inurnment was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Delano.

A video of the service can be found on the Iten Funeral Home YouTube page, or through the link provided below: