Bernice Okeson of Twin Valley, MN, died Wednesday, December 6, 2017, in the Twin Valley Living Center, at the age of 91. Bernice Senora Helseth, the daughter of Matt and Anna (Storbeck) Helseth, was born on April 5, 1926, near Ulen, MN. She was 100% Norwegian and very proud of it. She was raised in rural Ulen where she attended school. As a teenager, Bernice was confirmed at Atlanta Lutheran Church in 1941. After graduating from high school in 1944, Bernice attended business college in Detroit Lakes, MN and began working at the Becker County Court House. Shortly thereafter, Bernice met her future husband, Maynard Okeson, at a social. On September 11, 1948, they were united in marriage at Atlanta Lutheran Church. The couple made their first home on the Okeson family farm, near Detroit Lakes, where they began raising their family. Bernice and Maynard were blessed with one daughter, Diane, and three sons: Dave, Mark and Keith. They moved from Detroit Lakes to Ulen, and later Twin Valley, where they owned the Okeson Clothing Store and the Twin Valley Variety Store for many years. A growing family meant a busy mom. She attended their many sporting and school activities, often volunteering with events. Bernice also helped to lead the Cub Scouts, and taught Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church for many years. Bernice enjoyed many hobbies such as sewing, crocheting, doing ceramics, and bowling. When the grandchildren arrived, Bernice and Maynard enjoyed attending many of their activities, including concerts and sporting events. The grandchildren enjoyed spending time with grandma and grandpa at the family cabin on Tulaby Lake. Bernice also enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, being at the lake, and spending time with her friends. Bernice spent many hours volunteering and never hesitated to help others. As an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Bernice sang in the choir, served on the ladies' aide and with a variety of circle groups. Her gentle spirit and contagious smile will be missed by so many. Bernice is survived by three sons: Dave (Kathy), Forest Lake, MN, Mark (Cheryl), Roseau, MN, and Keith (Missy), Roseau, MN; seven grandchildren: Douglas (Renate) Okeson, Stefanie Okeson, Andrea (Sam) Okeson, Jason (Sara) Okeson, Kara (Casey) Hrabik, Taylor Okeson, Tanner Okeson; five step-grandchildren, Kristine (Eric) Faller, Jason (Amy) Hooser, Kari Hooser, Denise (Loren) Reddy, Ryan Hooser; five great-grandchildren: Carter, Jordan, Lexi, Maci, and Sadie; seven step-great-grandchildren, Kayla, Gavin, Katie, Isaac, Aiden, Camden, and Ashton; nieces and nephew: Janelle (Mike) Goettel, Elwood (Jana) Mjor and Juli Ann (Mark) Houglum. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, her daughter, and one sister and brother-in-law, Adeline (Elmer) Mjor. Memorials to the Twin Valley Living Center or Hospice of the Red River Valley are preferred. Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, MN with visitation one hour prior at the church. Burial will take place in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley, MN.