Bernice Marie (Basgall) Herrman, age 87 joined the Lord, Saturday, December 3, 2022, at home with family by her side.
Bernice was born October 16, 1935, in Hays, Kansas. She was the daughter of Clarence and Regina (Degenhardt) Basgall. She was the oldest of six siblings, and she attended Marian Girls Catholic High School in Hays.
On October 15th, 1952, she confessed her love to LeRoy Herrman, her soul mate. Later, they ventured to San Diego, California for Leroy’s Marine Corps military career. They lived on the base for about three years, where Bernice had her daughter, Brenda. They eventually moved back to Hays, Kansas and had their son, Roger.
They built their first home on Eisenhower and eventually built their final home on MacArthur in Hays.She was a devout Catholic and raised her children and grandchildren in the catholic church. Bernice was typically known around Hays as “Bernice the Boss” for her many successful business adventures with her husband Leroy, “Herrman the German”.
Bernice and LeRoy began their adventure with Herrman Electric, where Bernice was the secretary and took care of the finances, and LeRoy was the handyman/electrician. They had many business dealings after Herrman Electric. Next came Shady Rest Campgrounds, and then Camper & RV Center. They eventually added Great Plains Chrysler Plymouth & Dodge dealership to Camper & RV Center. Bernice was the heart and soul of all of their business’.
She made sure things were done the right way!. Bernice received the award of “Business Woman of the Year” in 1980. One of Bernice’s favorite past times was polka dancing and following her husband throughout his musical career with “The Herrmanette’s." She had many hobbies like, cooking, sewing, and traveling in their camper. Bernice and LeRoy enjoyed going to south Texas in the wintertime to stay warm.They spent many years going on weekend trips to the lake with family and friends. During her down time, she would like to go on “joy rides” in one of their many convertibles (typically to get ice cream). Mostly, Bernice was a very loving mother, grandmother, and sister.
Bernice belonged to many organizations, the Hays VFW Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary, Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Business Women’s Association, and a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Bernice’s surviving family include her two children, Brenda Herrman Morrissey of Hays, KS; Roger Herrman of Hays KS; her two grandchildren, Jacine Morrissey and Spencer (Megan Press) Herrman; her five great grandchildren, Lindsey Morrissey; Jaide Herrman; Brayden Grizzle; Scarlett Herrman; Adaline Herrman; her one sister, Lillian Basgall; her four brothers, Alfred; Thomas; Theodore; and Darrell (Carelyn) Basgall.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Regina Basgall; her husband LeRoy; and her niece, Tiffany Basgall.
Mass of Christin Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 18 & Vine, Hays, Kansas with Father Donald Zimmerman and Father Nick Parker officiating. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.
A vigil service / V.F.W. Auxiliary Memorial Service/ and rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
The family suggests memorials made payable to: Hospice of Hays Medical Center in care of the mortuary. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com