Bernice Ruth (Hahn) Burbach passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at the age of 99. She was a truly loving, kind, and funny individual who will be forever remembered. Born on May 18, 1925, in Stevensville, Michigan, Bernice was a cherished daughter to the late Robert Hahn and Alice (Kuball) Hahn. She was a life-long member of Grace Lutheran Church. Her final days were spent surrounded by the warmth of her family.
On November 20, 1948, Bernice married the love of her life, George Burbach, and together they built a life rich in love and laughter. Bernice’s professional life included dedicated service at Cooper and Wells Hosiery Mill and later at Eau Claire Public Schools. Most importantly, Bernice worked hard her entire life as co-owner of Burbach Farms who specialized in fruits, vegetables, grain, and livestock.
Bernice’s kindness made her a friend to all, and her sense of humor was a source of delight. She enjoyed dancing (especially the polka), playing cards (including with a ladies’ group in Eau Claire), gardening, bowling, and visiting Florida for over twenty years as a snowbird.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband George Burbach, son-in-law David Gray and siblings Robert, Richard, Chet Hahn, and Arlene Russell. She is survived by her two brothers, James (Betty) and Gerald (Rachel) Hahn and sister-in-law Jeanne Hahn.
Her legacy continues through her adored children, Craig (Diane) Burbach, Sharon Gray, Beverly (Tom) Underwood, and Kevin (Marlene) Burbach, with whom she spent sharing many good times including Happy Hours.
She will always be remembered for being a wonderful grandma, her root beer floats, and Tootsie Rolls by her beautiful grandchildren Brittney (Josh) Spivey, Samantha (Mat) Clark, Mckenzie (Ryan Comer) Burbach, Jason (Patti) Gray, Ryan (Audrey) Gray, Rachele (Tim) Rice, Jessica (Todd) Wesson, Bret Underwood, Nicol (Shane) Wildeman, Cari (Justin) Peters, Jacob and Tyler Burbach and great-grandchildren Chloe Spivey, Dylan and Harper Clark, Colton and Knox Comer, Dane and Piper Gray, Cooper and Cortland Rice, Stella and Briggs Wesson, Conner and Carson Underwood, Cayden and Ellie Wildeman, Jaxon and Nolan Peters and Willow Burbach.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bowerman Funeral Home in Eau Claire, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Corwell Health Hospice-Royalton, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085, or the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 5400 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085. A memorial service will be held in the spring near her 100th birthday.
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