Bernice Doll

Bernice Herner Doll, 97, Bismarck, died December 18, 2023, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Keith Streifel celebrating.  Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary/Parish Vigil at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Bernice was born May 21, 1926, in Bismarck, North Dakota, the daughter of Paul and Anna Kathryn “Katie” Rolshoven.  Raised in Mandan, she graduated from Mandan High School in 1944.  Bernice worked for the Mandan Public Schools from 1944-47 as a secretary to Superintendent W.L. Neff.  On February 14, 1947, she married Matthew “Mattie” Herner.  Their first child, Stephen Matthew, was born February 17, 1948, and died on August 27, 1948, due to hydrocephalus.  Together they lovingly raised seven children.  In later years, Bernice worked as a proofreader for the North Dakota Legislative Council during the sessions from 1971-1991.

Bernice enjoyed crocheting, baking, and could beat you at Scrabble any day.  A kind, sweet, and loving woman who was loved by all, Bernice’s greatest pleasure was spending time with family at the Larson family cabin south of Mandan.

After Mattie unfortunately died on April 15, 1985, Bernice met Eugene “Gene” Doll.  They were married in 1990 and had almost 20 years together.  Bernice was a gift to the Doll family.  She was a special grandmother to Gene's grandchildren, a close friend of their families, and contributed recipes for a Doll family cookbook.  Bernice and Gene traveled frequently together - both in the United States and internationally.

On the Herner side, Bernice is survived by her four daughters and two sons, Yvonne Jennings, Helene McCorvey, Lynelle (Gilbert) Barron, Glenn (Diana) Herner, Bridget (Allan) Eckroth, and Guy Herner. Her oldest daughter, Paulette Tompkins, died on April 12, 2014, due to cancer.  Bernice was blessed with a total of 17 grandchildren, Amy Herner, Sheri Kindred, Michelle Dosch, Nathan Hamkens, Jason McCorvey, Natasha Plash, Chelsea Dutson, Heidi Kircus, Holly Reames, Stephanie Mauro, Erin Greuel, Alyssa Barclay, and Matthew Herner; and 19 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her only living brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Bernie Rolshoven. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Mattie; sister, Frieda Larson; and two brothers, Bill Rolshoven and LeRoy Rolshoven.

On the Doll side, Bernice is survived by Carol Doll, Beth Doll (Bruce Nattrass), Bill Doll (Terry); 5 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her second husband, Gene Doll, who died on March 14, 2010.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Fund.