Bernice M. (Bergerson) Swanson, daughter of Chris and Agnes (Ruden) Bergerson, was born July 17, 1914 in Hamlin County, South Dakota. She received her education in Hamlin County and graduated from Lake Norden High School in 1931. She attended Madison East Normal for two years and received her teaching certificate. She taught the primary grades in Hamlin and Deuel Counties and in Badger, South Dakota for five years. Bernice was united in marriage to Merril "Ralph" Swanson on June 15, 1938 in Watertown, South Dakota. After their marriage they farmed in Hamlin County from 1938 until retiring and moving into Lake Norden in 1986. Ralph died on February 28, 1999 and she continued to make Lake Norden her home. Bernice died on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Arlington, South Dakota at the age of 99 years. She was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Lake Norden where she was also active in the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the You Go, I Go Card Club. Grateful for having shared her life are two daughters, Marlene Schaefer of Hayti, SD, Carol Hanten of River Falls, WI; four sons, Stanley and his wife Maxine of Valley Springs, SD, Alan and his wife LeeAnn of Lake Norden, Mark of Lake Norden, Scott and his wife Tammy of Badger, SD; 17 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, two grandchildren, her parents, six sisters and two brothers. Her funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Lake Norden with Rev. Joe Turrill officiating. Visitation will be from 4PM to 7PM Friday at Geise Funeral Chapel in Lake Norden.