Bernice Mathea Zinda was born June 8, 1930, at rural Milan to parents Fritz and Marie Elizabeth (Carlson) Engebretson. She was baptized August 28, 1930, and confirmed on April 23, 1944, both at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan. Bernice graduated from Milan High School in 1948 with letters in declam and dramatics, and music. After graduation she attended Chippewa County School District 49 and received her diploma in 1944 for elementary branches required by law to be taught in Minnesota Public Schools. On July 31, 1952, she was married to Henry George "Skip" Zinda at Kviteseid Lutheran Church. She worked at the Appleton Creamery candling eggs, and then worked at Northwestern State Bank, which later became Prairie Sun Bank, for over 30 years. After retiring she worked part-time at Pioneer Public Television assisting with clerical duties. She continued to work until dementia no longer made it possible. Bernice spend the last five years in Appleton Area Health Services-Nursing Home and her favorite past time was singing and listening to music. Bernice was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school. She enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge. She liked baking and is best remembered for her sugar cookies, brownies, and her brown sugar frosting. Bernice was known for always wearing dresses and high heels. She had a great sense of humor, had a fast pace, and always took pride in her appearance. She died on Sunday, September 15, at Avera KcKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, having reached the age of 83 years, 3 months, and 7 days. She is survived by four children: Randy (Vicki) Zinda of Spicer, Vicki Malecek of Montevideo, Jodi Neptune of Appleton, and Mike Zinda of Appleton; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Marie (Darrell) Anderson of Maplewood; brother, Oscar Engebretson, of Appleton; sister-in-law, Kathy Brustuen; three brothers-in-law: Marvin Schulz, Sr., Kenneth Monson, and Ed Mansfield; several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Preceding Bernice in death are her parents; her husband, "Skip", on November 8, 2010; daughter, Tamara Lynette, in infancy; sons-in-law: Tony Neptune and Loren Malecek; brothers: Carl and Ralph Engebretson; brother and sister-in-law, Freddie and Ramona Engebretson; five sisters: Millie Engebretson, Gladys Mansfield, Marlys Monson, and Fern and Clifford Rode; special sister Delores Bury; four sisters-in-law: Grace Engebretson, Alvina Schulz, Elenor Disinger, and Caroline Craig; brothers-in-law Richard Zinda and Donald Zinda; niece, Deb Bruner; nephews: Shane Engebretson, Kenny Monson, Jr. and Marvin Schulz, Jr.
