Berniece Sokol

BERNIECE MAY SOKOL

Belle Plaine

Berniece May Sokol, 84, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, passed away Feb. 4, 2022, at her home.

Berniece was born Aug. 16, 1937, to Richard and Laura Byers in Topeka, Kan. Upon graduation from Lane High School, Lane, Kan., Berniece worked for the state in Topeka, Kan. On Aug. 4, 1956, Berniece married Lester Sokol. They later divorced. They were blessed with three children.

After working 20-plus years in assembly, Berniece retired from Benco Manufacturing in 2001. After retirement, Berniece was very active for the Belle Plaine Congregational Church. Her duties were treasurer and council president upon the church dissolving in January 2021. Berniece also volunteered at the community center and provided rides for patients to doctor appointments. She crocheted hats for newborn babies and sewed face masks during the pandemic. Berniece enjoyed sewing, reading, gardening and feeding the squirrels.

She finished her journey in Belle Plaine, Iowa.

She is survived by her children, Laurie (Mike) Breja of Belle Plaine, Rodney Sokol and Richard (Gina) Sokol of Ankeny.

Berniece was preceded in death by her father, Richard Byers; mother, Laura; stepmother, Sue; and brothers, Harry, Kenneth and Albert Lee Byers.

The service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine, with Pastor Kate West officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine. The service will be recorded and on the funeral home's Facebook page for viewing. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.