June 14, 1924 – September 15, 2022

Bernice (Van Essen) Huisken was born June 14, 1924, to Ryer and Clara (Post) Van Essen of Holland, Minn. She married Arnold Benjamin Huisken on Nov. 28, 1944. He served many years in the navy, so they lived in several places throughout their lives. They had two daughters, Linda and Deba. 

Bernice, or “Aunt Bunny” as she was known to her many nieces and nephews in the area, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The family will have a private service. 

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Linda, and son-in-law, Harvey Wilks, and her siblings (one local sister, Clara Beckering), parents, and her husband.

On behalf of our family, we wanted to share that our beloved mother, Nana, and Great-Nana, Bernice “Bunny” (Van Essen) Huisken passed away peacefully this morning at home with Deba and Ken by her side. They have been blessed to be able to care for her over the past 4 years at home and will miss her dearly. 

Both Bunny and Arnold, the love of her life, were the youngest siblings of their large families, and withstood many challenges and joys throughout their lives.  They were each the last of their generation.  She was the proud mother to 2 daughters, Nana to 6 grandchildren and great-Nana to 15 great-grandchildren.

From outhouses to toilets, stoves to microwaves, and talking around the dinner table to Face-timing family across the country, Bunny was both surprised and amazed at the changes that she had lived through.  As a child of the Great Depression, she learned to be incredibly resourceful and creative with decorating, sewing, and cooking, and had amazing math skills.  She enjoyed serving at her local church, spending time at the beach, golfing, refinishing furniture, fishing for crabs, playing cards with family and friends, gardening, baking, and would never turn down a good spoon of crunchy JIF peanut butter.  She also loved singing old children’s songs, and reciting nursery rhymes and poetry to her grandchildren.  She will forever be remembered for her strong faith, and her many homemade cookies and desserts.  

You have been an important part of each our lives and we are thankful for the time we shared with you.  We love you and are grateful that you are now at peace with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We know you will be singing “Jesus Loves Me” to all of His little children with the boldest of hearts for eternity.