Berniece Weaver

Berniece Weaver, 91, of Bridgewater passed away on Oct. 18th at Oakview Terrace in Freeman. Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday Oct. 28th at 11 am, at Salem MB church of rural Bridgewater. Visitation will begin at 10 am at the church prior to the Memorial Service. A private family burial will be held prior to the Memorial Service.

Berniece Ann (Tschetter) Weaver was born on June 25, 1934, to Edmond and Anna (Walter) Tschetter. She grew up in Bridgewater, South Dakota, and graduated from Bridgewater High School. She loved telling her grandchildren about her cheerleading days and would often recite a cheer—complete with actions—to their delight. At the age of 18, Berniece gave her life to Christ. Her mother told her that she couldn’t make that decision for her; she had to make it for herself. And that she did. She lived and praised her Savior throughout her 91 years. Though she endured many hardships—including the loss of her son, her husband, and even a battle with cancer—she never gave up and leaned on her Lord even more during those difficult times.

Berniece married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Weaver, on September 21, 1953, in Luverne, Minnesota. Shortly after their wedding, Lawrence was drafted and served for two years during the Korean War. After he was discharged, Lawrence and Berniece returned to Bridgewater, where they farmed and milked cows while raising their family. They were blessed with four children: Sandra, Janet, Susan, and David. Farm life was all they knew. Together, they milked cows and farmed until April 1995. The farm became a cherished gathering place for family and friends—filled with laughter, love, and memories that will forever live in the hearts of her children and grandchildren.

One of Berniece’s favorite times of year was Christmas. She loved shopping for her kids and grandkids, taking great joy in seeing them open their gifts and gather together for a meal. Those moments meant everything to her. Berniece also enjoyed teaching Sunday School—a place where she could share her love for Jesus with others. Her faith and gentle spirit touched many lives. Her greatest blessing in life was her family, especially her children and grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and prayed for faithfully.

In December 2024, Berniece moved to Oakview Terrace, where she resided until her passing. She entered her eternal home on October 18, 2025, at the age of 91.

Those who remain to cherish her memory and devotion to family include her three daughters: Sandra and her husband Kim Wallum of Hill City, SD; Janet and her husband John Chapman of Glenelg, MD; Susan and her husband Keith Letcher of Freeman, SD. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Jayson Whitney (Marilyn) of Reno, NV; Melinda Wallace (Tad) of Fremont, NE; Rhonda Wimsatt (James) of Norfolk, NE; David Whitney (Susie) of Norfolk, NE; Becky Hamilton (Michael) of Osmond, NE; Matthew Wallum (Amanda) of Harrisburg, SD; Paul Burckhardt (Kim) of Woodbine, MD; James Burckhardt (Andrea) of Dacula, GA; Dustin Letcher (Mandy) of Sioux Falls, SD; Derek Letcher of Redfield, SD; Drew Letcher (Angele) of Freeman, SD; Dylan Letcher of Sioux Falls, SD; and Kaylie Letcher (Nick) of Sioux Falls, SD. She was blessed with 34 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Berniece is also survived by her sister Judy Coonfield (Terry) of Menno, SD, and her sister-in-law Judy Krossin of Sioux Falls, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmond and Anna Tschetter; her beloved husband, Lawrence Weaver; her son, David Weaver; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Lilas and Henry Hannemann and Carol and Doug Dempster; and her brother, Jerry Tschetter.