Bernice Gruber Schneider-Kiene

Bernice Gruber Schneider Kiene, age 94, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, where she and Ernie enjoyed many happy years together. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, dedication, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Bernice was born on March 7, 1932, in Stanley, Wisconsin, to William and Helen Gruber. As the oldest of eight children, she learned responsibility at an early age. When her mother passed away when Bernice was just 12 years old, she stepped in to help care for her younger siblings while her father managed the family farm. These formative experiences shaped the resilient, hardworking, and caring woman she would become.

She attended St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in Wausau, Wisconsin, beginning a career that would span decades and touch countless lives. On November 12, 1953, she married Leander "Lee" Schneider. As Lee managed lumber yards throughout western Wisconsin, Bernice devoted herself to raising their family while continuing her work as a nurse.

Together, Bernice and Lee raised five children: Gary, Mark, Leanne, Sandra and Charles Schneider.

Throughout her nursing career, Bernice served in a variety of roles, including many years as a school nurse in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, where she cared for generations of students. Whether at work or at home, she was known for her dedication, dependability, and willingness to put the needs of others first.

As a mother, Bernice believed in responsibility, hard work, and providing for her family. She was firm but loving, ensuring her children always had what they needed. Her example taught them perseverance, commitment, and the importance of doing what needed to be done, even when life was challenging.

After Lee's passing on August 20, 1989, Bernice found love again and married Ernest "Ernie" Kiene on May 1, 1992. Bernice and Ernie enjoyed traveling the world and shared more than 34 wonderful years together.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Ernest Kiene; her children Gary (Lynn) Schneider, Mark (Jeanne Fink) Schneider, Leanne (Scott) Stockton, Sandy (Robert) Adam, and Charles (Tammy) Schneider; her stepchildren Steve (Jane) Kiene and Kathy (Carl) Mueller; her brother, Frank Gruber; her sisters, Anna Mae Rykal and Joan(Bill) Lanners; and sister in law Jean (Glenn) Gruber; 15 grandchildren, Grady (Tierney Jones) Schneider, Scott (Haylee) Schneider, Andrew (Rachel Golden) Schneider, Brandon Stiff, Mandy (Andy) Proesch, Chrissy Stockton, Chuck Adam, Lukas (Shannon) Adam, Melonie (Mike Ramthun), Johna Schneider, Lee (Sou) Vang, Nathan (Rachel) Kiene, Dani (Zach) Weis, Riley Korthof and Kelly Mueller; 15 great-grandchildren: Clara, Lux, Miller, John, Mikasa, McKenna, Lucy, Shawn, Laynee, Charlee, Adam, Catrien, Carter, Taylor and Darren. Along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Gruber; her first husband, Leander "Lee" Schneider; and her siblings Melvin Gruber, LaVerne Gruber, Glenn Gruber, John Gruber and daughter in law, Lori Niehues-Schneider.

Bernice's life was a testament to resilience, service, and family. From helping raise her younger siblings after the loss of her mother, to caring for generations of patients and students as a nurse, to nurture her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she spent her life putting others before herself. Her strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to those she loved leaving a legacy that will continue for generations. Though she will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught through her example of hard work, perseverance, compassion, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 10:30 A.M. at Boutwell's Landing Swanson Chapel, 5600 Norwich Parkway, Oak Park Heights with visitation beginning at 9:30 A.M. Interment St. Francis Cemetery, Ellsworth, WI.