Berniece Simonich, 97, passed away in her home on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 in Babbitt, MN. Berniece was born on August 26, 1918 in Ramend, WA to Carl and Cora Hellquist. As a young child, Berniece, along with her parents moved to Hibbing, MN where she would go on to graduate from Hibbing High School in 1936. After high school, Berniece received her Beauty Operator’s License in Duluth, MN, and practiced cosmetology in Hibbing.
Berniece married her high school sweetheart and late husband, Lawrence Simonich on September 6, 1942, while Lawrence was on a three-day leave from the army. Their original plans for a church wedding in December of 1941 were cancelled due to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which caused Lawrence to leave for war.
While Lawrence was in the South Pacific Berniece worked at Holcomb Air Force Base in Washington as a ”Rosie the Riveter”, refurbishing damaged World War II bombers. She also was a telephone operator at the Androy Hotel in Hibbing. She spent the majority of her life as a dedicated homemaker, caring and providing for her family. Lawrence and Berniece were married for 67 years and raised three children together.Berniece was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt for 49 years. Berniece will always be remembered by family & friends for her quick wit and ability to overcome hardship.
Berniece is survived by her children: Larry Simonich of Mora, Marcy (Gary) Gotchnik of Ely, Rob Simonich of Babbitt, four grandchildren: Christy (John) McBroom of Rochester, Michael (Heather) Simonich of Moorhead, Maren Gotchnik of Durham, NC, and Krista Gotchnik of Ely: five great-grandchildren: Ian, Joey, and Drew Simonich, and Trajan and Zara McBroom: niece Marie Hyduke of Detroit Lakes, nephew Ted Hyduke of Walker, and great niece Stefani Evans of Detroit Lakes. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence and sister, MaryAnn (Butch) Hyduke.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Babbitt Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt with a gathering of family and friends. Memorial contributions will be made to organizations chosen by the family.