Bernice Jensen Gradwahl

Bernice J. Gradwahl, 92, died Tuesday morning at home. Bernice was born in Bellingham, WA, daughter of Charles G. and Emma C. “Legbandt” Jensen. She graduated from Bellingham High School and worked as a bookkeeper for Old Empire Brewery Distribution Ctr. Bernice married “Bud” Swanson in May 1942 who died in 1979. Bud and Bernice moved to Walla Walla in 1943. In 1988, she married Walt Gradwahl who died in 1996.

She was employed with Teague Motor Co. and retired from the County Dept. of Licenses. She worked for many years and was a faithful parishioner, first at Aldersgate and later at the Amazing Grace Nazarene Church. She loved to travel worldwide and drove her motor home up until 2011. She learned to ski at 60 and ride a motorcycle at 65. Bernice was very active at Golden West Estates, enjoyed pinochle and visiting with her many friends. She was a member of The Sons of Norway

Bernice is survived by five sons: Chuck (Dyann); Ron (Sandi); Mel (Nori); Dick (Sharon); Alan (Dawna); step-children Butch (Pat) Gradwahl; Deanna Gradwahl and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Bernice was preceded in death by brothers Melvin and Norman Jensen.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Monday, January 21, 2013 from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 9:00 AM at the Amazing Grace Nazarene Church with Pastor Ron Alexander and Pastor Jesse Wilkinson officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Amazing Grace Nazarene Church through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.