Bernice Madonna Robe

Bernice M. Robe, age 99 of Detroit Lakes, MN died peacefully under the loving care of the staff at Emmanuel Nursing Home on Monday July 20, 2015. Bernice Madonna Robe was born on October 27, 1915 in Sheldon, ND to Nickolaus and Selma Schmidt Robe. She attended school in LaMoure, ND and later moved to Detroit Lakes where she graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1934. Her family lived in Shoreham in the summer months, where they owned and operated the Hotel Shoreham and the General Store. In the winter they lived in Detroit Lakes. Following High School, Bernice attended the Mount St. Benedict Conservatory of Music in Crookston, MN where she earned a teaching degree in 1938. She taught music in Fessenden, ND for four years before moving back to Detroit Lakes, where she worked for the Nash-Finch Wholesale Company. She then returned to private teaching in Detroit Lakes and taught piano and organ to more than 900 students over 35 years. Bernice was a woman of great faith. She was very active at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, as a member of St. Mary's Circle and as church organist for twenty-five years. She was also an Oblate of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Crookston, MN. Family was extremely important to her. Her nieces and nephews were like her own children and they in turn adored her. She enjoyed watching sports considering herself a baseball addict. Of course, the Twins were on her must-watch list. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Joanne Robe, of South Bend, IN, nieces and nephews: Joel (Carol) Robe, of Eugene, OR; Susan (Ron) Murdock, of Hanover Park, IL; Bernard (Diane) Robe, of Eugene, OR; Mary (Tim) McAleer, of Ft. Worth, TX; Matthew (Vanessa) Robe, of Columbia, MO; and Monica (Brian) Smith, of South Bend, IN; nine great nieces and nephews; and one great-great nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, John Robe; and nephew, Andy Robe. Memorial Donations should be made to: Mount St. Benedict of Crookston: 620 Summit Ave, Crookston, MN 56716 Holy Rosary Church Organ Fund: 1043 Lake Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501