Bernice Mathilda, daughter of Hugo and Anna (Waller) Grau, was born August 17, 1914, near Gray in Audubon County, Iowa. She lived with her family on a farm near Gray until she was ten years old when the family moved to a farm near Manilla. She attended rural and Manilla schools.

On December 22, 1933, Bernice was united in marriage with Ancel Crouch and in 1936 they moved to Hamilton City, California. She and her husband worked in a fruit orchard and candled eggs. In 1943, during World War II, Bernice moved to Manilla, Iowa and lived with her parents. She worked at Longnecker’s Produce and traveled with Ancel whenever possible. In 1946 Bernice returned to California to join Ancel after his honorable discharge and to work for Poultry Processors of California. They returned to Iowa in 1952 and in 1956 moved to a farm 3/4 mile east of Irwin. Bernice enjoyed being a homemaker and caring for their yard. In 1976 they retired and built a home in Irwin. Ancel died in 1980. Eventually Bernice sold their home and moved to an apartment in Irwin.

Bernice was a member of the United Methodist Church and various church circles where she was very active. She held various offices, including President, while a life member with the Austin Earl Hiatt American Legion Post #614 Auxiliary. In recent years, she transferred her membership to the American Legion Auxiliary in Manning. Bernice was also a member of the VFW Post #3517 Auxiliary in Manning. Bernice volunteered at church and community activities and took great pleasure when traveling on bus tours. She made many quilts and gave them to her family. Bernice thoroughly enjoyed the many card clubs she belonged to over the years.

When she could no longer live alone, Bernice moved to the Manilla Manor Nursing Home in the June of 2007. Bernice died there on Saturday, February 5, 2011, at the age of 96 years, 5 months and 19 days.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband; two brothers Walter Grau and wife Helen and Hugo Grau and wife Janola; and sister Amanda and husband Walt Martens.

Bernice is survived by her sister Edna Mitzel of Manilla; brother Ralph Grau and wife Theresa of Manteca, CA; brother-in-law Virgil Crouch of Irwin; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Officiating Reverend Leila Blackburn Reverend Ted Sieck
Music “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” “Blessed Assurance” “In The Garden” “America” Congregation Ruth Ann Barry, Accompanist
Casket Bearers: Garland Barrett, Henry Olson, Norm Campbell, Eugene Juhl, Rod Shannon, Ken Pleake, Larry Hagedorn, Bill Ahrenholtz
Interment Oak Hill Cemetery Irwin, Iowa
Visitation Monday February 7, 2011, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Ohde Funeral Home, Manilla
Visitation will resume at 9:00 AM on Tuesday at church in Irwin.
Funeral Service Tuesday February 8, 2011, 10:30 - AM United Methodist Church, Irwin
Interment Oak Hill Cemetery