Bernice C. Rickelman, 96, of the Kensington in Fort Madison, Iowa, formerly of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 11:59 a.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Kensington.
Born on September 26, 1929, in St. Paul, Iowa, the daughter of Bernard and Rose (Kempker) Menke. On April 26, 1952, she married Leonard J. Rickelman at St. John the Less Catholic Church in Houghton, Iowa. He preceded her in death on August 29, 2015.
She is survived by her son: Ed (Mary Eileen) Rickelman of Decorah, Iowa; daughters: Kathy (Gary) Poetting of Des Moines, Iowa, Debbie (Randy) Smith of Topeka, Kansas, Joan (Scott) Coen of Johnston, Iowa, Mary Jo Blumer of Ankeny, Iowa, Nancy (Robert) Fowler of Fort Madison, Iowa; grandchildren: Ben Rickelman, Emma Rickelman, Krista Adams, David Poetting, Matthew Poetting, Jill Ryan, Craig Blumer, Jon Coen, Cyndi Stuekerjurgen; eight great grandchildren; exchange student: Veronica Albuja of Quito Equador; brother: Paul (Veronica) Menke of Raymore, Missouri. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Leonard; two brothers; one sister; grandson Mitch; and daughter-in-law Debbie.
Bernice was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church where she served as eucharistic minister, lector, rosary leader, and Altar and Rosary Society member. She worked as Sheaffer Pen Co., Breck’s, Spiegel’s, Dr. Crago, Robinson CPA Office, Crystal Ice and assisted Leonard in the fields during planting and harvesting seasons. Beyond a doubt Bernice’s family was her world. She had a love/hate relationship with raking leaves and was a gifted seamstress. Bernice had a friendly, competitive side to her personality, she enjoyed playing cards with several different groups over the years. She had a green thumb and always planted an extensive vegetable garden, canning her bountiful harvest to have on hand for creating delicious meals throughout the year. Leonard and Bernice enjoyed Sunday driving to check out the crops and traveling in their retired years.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, Iowa, where a Rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2026 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point, Iowa with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in West Point.
A memorial has been established in her memory for St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health and Hospice.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.