Bernice Ann Knesek

Bernice Ann Knesek, 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 31st, 2024. Bernice was born on December 31st, 1931, to the late Otto and Lena Bartsch Behring in the Maurin Community of Gonzales County.

Bernice graduated from Gonzales High School in 1950. On August 19, 1950, she married Stanley R. Knesek, and they were blessed with four sons, Chris, Ben, Timothy and Kevin. Stanley preceded her in death on December 5th, 1994. She was also preceded in death by their oldest son, Chris on December 3rd, 1988.

Bernice worked at several businesses in Gonzales including The Gonzales Inquirer, Barnhill Poultry, and Donnie’s Western Wear, but one of her favorite jobs was serving as a substitute teacher in the Ag. Dept. at Gonzales High School.

In her earlier years, Bernice was an active member of the St. James Catholic Church serving as a member of the parish council, eucharistic minister and CCD teacher.

She was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters Court #2140 serving as a regent and treasurer for several years.

Bernice was recognized for her dedication to several organizations including the Elks, CDA and FFA, but she would say one of her greatest accomplishments was guiding all four of her sons and all four grandsons to become Eagle Scouts of America. She was extremely proud of this accomplishment.

Bernice enjoyed playing cards and dominoes as well as watching or reading a good old Western, especially Louis L’Amour. She loved attending all sporting events to watch her sons and later grandchildren, but it was no secret that football was always her favorite sport. When her great grandchildren came along, her mobility was very limited, but she always found a way to entertain them. They loved playing at grandma’s and getting a scooter ride around the house with her.

Bernice is survived by her three sons, Ben Knesek (Lisa), Timothy Knesek (Natalie), and Kevin Knesek (Charlotte). She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Kurt Knesek (Jenna), Kelsey Castillo (Jeremy), Kourtney Parker (Ryan), Kolten Knesek (Kathryn), Kameron Knesek, Kristofer Knesek (fiancé-Kiara), Kathleen Knesek, Maurin Knesek and Keely Ann Knesek and six great-grandchildren, Avery, August, Kora, J.W., Kase and Tyler and two more on the way. Her brother, Woodrow Behring (Emmy) also survives her.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, November 7, 2024, in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with prayers of the Holy Rosary following at 7 pm. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10 am, Friday, November 8, 2024, in St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Jason Martini officiating. Interment will follow in the Gonzales Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers: Kurt Knesek, Kelsey Castillo, Kourtney Parker, Kolten Knesek, Kameron Knesek, Kristofer Knesek, Kathleen Knesek, Maurin Knesek, and Keely Knesek. Honorary pallbearers: CDA Members, Avery, August, Kora, J.W. Kase, Tyler, Jenna, Jeremy, Ryan, Kathryn and Kiara. Memorials for Bernice may be given to the Catholic Daughters of America, Court #2140 or to the charity of your choice.

Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.