Berneice M. Eichman, 101, of Owatonna, died Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at the Koda Living Community in Owatonna, Minnesota. Berneice Eichman was born on August 18, 1915, in Lyon County, Iowa, to Christian and Reka De Groot. The youngest of seven children, she grew up on a farm and attended school in the area. As a young woman she held various jobs, and in 1936 she made headlines in the county newspaper by winning a new car for selling the most subscriptions to the newspaper. In 1940, Berneice married William (Bill) Eichman at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They settled in Sibley, Iowa, where they raised their two children. In 1961, the family moved to Owatonna, Minnesota. Berneice was as a member of the Associated Church. She worked at Lucy's Style Shop until it closed, and then at Tot N Teen. She greatly enjoyed helping her customers as they made their wardrobe and accessory choices. Berneice loved to make decorations for the holidays and had a particular talent for creating Christmas and autumn centerpieces. She also enjoyed entertaining friends and would try out new recipes and share the results with her friends. Berneice was preceded in death by her husband Bill (in 1971); her son Bill Jr (in 2012); her great grandson Benjamin Horning (in 2009); her parents and five brothers and one sister. She is survived by her daughter Renae (Gary) Bates of Scottsdale, Arizona; her grandson Jason (Holly) Moran-Bates of Cary, NC, and their children Carter, Aidan, Mackenzie, and Ellia; her granddaughter Abbey (Dan) Horning of Ridgecrest, CA, and their children Will and Nate; also two nieces and three nephews. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staffs of Koda Living Community and Owatonna Care Center where Berneice was a resident for many years. Their patient, loving care shown to Berneice was a blessing to her and greatly appreciated by the family. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, October 20, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna with Reverend Coqui Conkey officiating. Berneice will be laid to rest next to her husband in Evergreen Cemetery near George, Iowa. The family suggests any donations be made to the Koda Living Community. Visitation: 10/20/2016 10:00 10/20/2016 11:00 Service: 10/20/2016 11:00