Born in Bonduel, Wi., on December 21, 1907, she was one of five children of Charles and Augusta (Benz) Hall. Bernice was united in marriage to Leonard (Sam) Yakel, December 9, 1926. He preceded her in death on December 5, 1997. They would have celebrated 71 years of marriage on December 9, 1997. Bernice and her husband spent every day together at their work or fishing, hunting and working with Sam's bee business. Bernice was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Suring.
Survivors to Bernice Yakel include one daughter, Joyce (William) Hewitt, Sheboygan; a son, Roger (Rosemary) Yakel, Green Bay; a daughter-in-law, Bernice Yakel, Slinger; eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grand- daughter.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard (Sam); a son, Hollis in 1990; one great-granddaughter, Brenda Gruenke; three brothers and one sister. Friends called at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home, Suring. Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Monday, April 12, 1999, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church with Pastor Melvin E. Thur officiating. Burial in the church cemetery. A memorial has been established in Bernice's name.