Bernice P. Viher, 91, of Ironwood, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012, at ManorCare Health Services, Kingsford.

She was born March 23, 1921, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Vedo and Mary (Dragish) Kapugia. Bernice grew up in Ironwood and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School, Class of 1938. She then went on to attend Business College in Ironwood. Bernice married Joseph Viher on November 29, 1940. He preceded her in death in 1996.

Bernice was employed for a few years with S.W. Patek Attorney at Law in Ironwood. Later, she took a position as Assistant Librarian at Carnegie Library in Ironwood. While at the library, she participated in The Children’s Reading Hour on local TV. Bernice was an active member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. She served as a Girl Scout Leader and was a member of the Croation Fraternal Union.

She is survived by her children, Sharon (Roy) Cedarstrom, Polly (Roland) Pakonen, Mark (Deb) Viher, Mary (Stuart) Peterson; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bernice was preceded in death by four brothers, Lawrence, Frank, Joseph, and Clarence.

Graveside services for both, Joseph John Viher and Bernice will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2013, at Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood. Rev. Fr. Robb Jurkovich will officiate.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Bernice, or leave a condolence for her family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Bernice’s Legacy of Life.