Bernice Dorothy Nordhus, 95, of Seneca, entered her spiritual life on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Bernice was born on October 25, 1930, in St. Benedict, Kansas, the daughter of William and Mary (Haverkamp) Haug. Bernice lived her entire life in Nemaha County. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School and High School in St. Benedict. Before her marriage, she worked for the Noxious Weed Department in Seneca.

On August 10, 1949, Bernice married the love of her life, John Nordhus, at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict, with John’s uncle, Father Cyprian Nordhus, officiating. Together they were privileged to celebrate many anniversaries, including their 72nd. Bernice and John were blessed with 12 children. She lovingly cared for John at home throughout his life, supporting him all the way to his monumental milestone of 100 years.

Married at the age of 18, Bernice especially loved being a homemaker. Her heart was happiest when her home was filled with family, and many of the Nordhus family gatherings were centered around her warm hospitality.

A devoted and faith-filled Catholic, Bernice loved God and her Church deeply. She was a long-time member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society.  She believed in living a Christian life and taught CCD for 12 years and was steadfast in her commitment to Catholic teaching. She was an avid writer, often penning letters to the Courier-Tribune editor, where she spoke out boldly against abortion and other un-Christian practices. At age 90, she published her book, “My Personal Journey to Find God, Who Is, Who Was, and Who Is to Come.” Bernice took great comfort and joy in writing and believed in the power of the written word.

Bernice enjoyed ceramics and lovingly crafted many pieces for her children and grandchildren. She was also a quilter at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, and beautifully embroidered pieces for those she loved.

In the 1960s, Bernice and John purchased Duzelle’s Steak House, renaming it the “Friendly Diner.” She was well known for her excellent pies—so good that one customer famously told her that if heaven didn’t have coconut cream pie like hers, they’d come back! She competed in the Pork Producers “Bake It With Lard” contest, winning her division in 1988 and taking grand champion honors in 1990. While the restaurant provided extra income, it placed many demands on the family, and the couple sold it in 1976.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John on October 16, 2021; her beloved daughters, Jane Nordhus on April 24, 1994, and Julie Glissman on January 26, 2010; her grandson, Jason Nolte on June 21, 2014; her son-in-law, Christopher Ashcraft on July 7, 1992; a step-grandson, Jim Huerter; and siblings, Florence Hulsing and Ernest Haug.

She leaves behind a remarkable legacy in her children: Bob (Sheryl) Nordhus of Seneca; Mary Lynn Stephens of Seneca; Diane (Jim) Schultejans of Corning; Debra (Sam) Hermesch of Seneca; Bill Nordhus of Seneca; Kathleen (Bob) Nolte of Seneca; John (Barb) Nordhus of Seneca; Tom (Melissa) Nordhus of Commerce City, Colorado; Jerry (Karen) Nordhus of Bern; and Sharon (David) Shumaker of Wetmore. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Dave Glissman; 39 grandchildren, a step-granddaughter, 69 great-grandchildren, three step- great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and one step-great-great-grandchild; and siblings, Lambert Haug of Abilene, William Haug Jr of Topeka and Patricia Stallbaumer of Seneca.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 PM and 7 PM on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery, beside her daughters and husband.

Memorials may be left in her memory to the Sts. Peter & Paul CCD Program and/or Coins for a Cause, sent in care of the family.