Bernice Marion Simmons, 71, of Eau Claire died Sunday, November 16, 2003 at Luther Hospital of injuries sustained from an automobile accident. She was born in Eleva on November 4, 1932, the daughter of Carl B. "Bennie" and Ruth (Traaseth) Dahlby.\r\nShe married Melvin J. Simmons on November 11, 1950 in Strum. After marriage they resided in Eau Claire where they raised their eight children. \r\nBernice loved and cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with family.\r\nBernice held a variety of jobs including Sacred Heart Hospital, Presto Industries and was currently employed at Hardee's.\r\nBernice loved to go fishing up in Canada with her family until her husbands health declined. She also attended reunions with the 511th Airborne Association with her husband, Mel.\r\nShe is survived by her husband, Melvin; her eight children, Melvin Dale (Debbie), James (Cindy), Karen (Randy) McFadden, Sue Licht, Randy (Carolyn) and Jason Simmons all of Eau Claire, Bob (Vickie) of Elk Mound, and Larry (Carrie) of Eleva; 25 grandchildren, Travis (Teri), Courtney (Troy), Aaron, Autumn (Shawn), Lindsey (Israel), Stacy, Tara, Ben, Sam, Kelsey, Cody, Jennifer (Marty), Ashley, Heather, Jeremy, Samantha, Angie (Jesse) and Ryan (Kim); 10 great grandchildren, Shadow, Adam, Mickelle, Leighton, Caden, Deontae, Maddy, Belue, Damien and Madison; her sister, Doris Allemann of Mondovi; sister-in-law, Lois Dahlby; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her family of friends at Hardee's.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Roy Dahlby.\r\nFuneral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2003 at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dr. Duane C. Pederson officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.

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