Berniece Clarice Ricklefs Sedlacek, age 99, formerly of Pocahontas, Rolfe and Storm Lake, Iowa, passed away March 31 at The Heritage at Sterling Ridge in Omaha.

She and her twin brother, Bernard (deceased), were born on Oct. 14, 1918, to John and Myrtle Ricklefs. They lived near Gilmore City, Iowa, where her parents farmed when she was small. The family moved to a farm in the Palmer, Iowa, area where Berniece attended country school until sixth grade.

In 1929, they moved to a farm south of Rolfe, Iowa, and Berniece attended country school in Garfield Township for seventh and eighth grade. Berniece attended high school at the Rolfe high school. She graduated salutatorian of her class in 1936.

Following graduation, she taught school for grades 1-8 in a one-room country school house in Garfield Township, southeast of Rolfe for four years. Later, she taught home economics and art at the Pocahontas Catholic High School.

In 1941, Berniece married Albert “Al” Sedlacek at St Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Pocahontas. After marrying they lived on the family farm south of Pocahontas. She and Al were blessed with three children, Jon, Sally and Joel.

In 1990, after her husband, Al, passed away, Berniece moved to a condominium on the shores of Storm Lake, Iowa. In 2002, Berniece moved to Omaha to be closer to her two sons and their families. Through the years, she and Al would take winter vacations to Phoenix, Ariz. to visit their daughter and her family. She continued these trips even after Al’s death. Because of her love of people and all things connected with art and education, Berniece was very involved with the Catholic Church and women’s groups in the communities in which she lived. She had made a huge commitment to state extension work, being president at one time and was also part of the 4-H program for 23 years.

In 1960, she was awarded the Pocahontas County “Homemaker” of the year award.

While in Storm Lake, her love of history was a natural entrée into volunteering for the historical society and being a member of the board of directors. The Harker house was one of her loves while living in Storm Lake. She gave many interesting guided tours through the historic home. Many will remember Berniece and Al’s love of bridge, dancing and traveling in their motor home!

Berniece is survived by her three children and their spouses: Jon (Ann) Sedlacek of Blair, Sally Sedlacek Schaefer-Cupp of Chandler, Ariz. and Joel (Marsha) Sedlacek of Omaha; grandchildren: Sarah (Pierson) Shields, Joe (Denise) Sedlacek, Grant Schaefer, Jana (Gabe) Sellers, Aaron Sedlacek (Chantelle), Keith (Meghan) Sedlacek; 11 great grandchildren; brothers: Virgil Ricklefs and Merlin (Karen) Ricklefs.

Preceding Berniece in death were her husband, Al Sedlacek, her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Islea and Gerald Graeber, twin brother and sister-in-law, Bernard and Edmondeane Ricklefs, and sister-in-law, Dorothy Ricklefs.

Berniece will always be loved and missed by those who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at a later date. Powers Funeral Home in Pocahontas, Iowa is handling arrangements.

Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file at the Blair Public Library.