Bernice “Bernie” Winters
We cherish the memory of Bernice “Bernie” Winters, who passed away the morning of Friday, October 5. Bernie was born 90 years ago to John and Ada Dunlop in Great Falls, Mont. While she grew up with her brother, Lyle, Bernie’s father worked at Black Eagle, the Anaconda mining company, and later hauled coal to Great falls from Stockett with a fleet of trucks. John called his daughter “Roguie,” a nod to the family’s Scottish background and her “rough and ready” demeanor. His coal-delivery business suffered during the Great Depression, causing Bernie’s family to lose the fleet and move to Helena, where a new opportunity arose for John, installing light poles. Bernie attended Bryant School and Helena High School, attending class in boxcars after the 1935 earthquake. She earned 22.5 cents an hour working at Woolworth’s as a teenager and graduated in 1947. Shortly after, in June, she married Roy Zuelke, with whom she had two sons.
Bernie loved engaging in the Helena community, serving on the drill team and rising to Senior Regent of the Women of Moose Lodge, driving “Popsicle Pete,” a stock car in Powder Puff Derbies, and bowling with the Mountain Bell telephone company. She was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers and the Elks.
Bernie also worked at Gamers Restaurant and later Mountain Bell, where she served for 33 years in the accounting and engineering departments. Bernie and Roy divorced after 19 years of marriage. At the phone company, Bernie befriended Earl Winters, who she married in 1975 in Salt Lake City. They retired in Florida, but only seven years later Bernie lost Earl to heart issues. She used his last name for the rest of her life. Bernie also lived in California and Arizona, before returning to Helena. Later in life, she married former state legislator Jack Gunderson; they divorced in 1997.
Surviving Bernie are her son Gordon Zuelke and daughter-in-law Laura, of Helena; son John Zuelke of Gainesville, Florida; step-son Jim Winters (married to Sheila) of MacIntosh, Florida; granddaughter Ashley (married to Ryan Nalty) of Denver; grandsons Joshua (married to Beth) Zuelke and Tomas Zuelke, and great-grandson, Jude Zuelke – all of Gainesville.
Bernie has been cremated and family will host a celebration of her life March 9, 2019. Memorials or donations are suggested to Friends of Hospice – Helena (Frontier Hospice) and Son Heaven Assisted Living, who provided Bernie with excellent care.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 9, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Her Life
Saturday March 9, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 9, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Her Life
Saturday March 9, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Margaret Ellen Bost says
I remember my last visit with Bernie with great joy. She was so kind and generous to everyone. Her spirit of concern and love for family was contagious. When she and Mavis were together the laughter flowed and the love they shared was beautiful. They are together now and at peace. I pray comfort for the family.
Love,
Margaret Ellen Bost
Joyce says
Gordan and John,
Moms are important and special people. Your mom was a wonderful person.
We are sorry for your loss.
Our condolences go out to you and your families.
Love, Joyce and Drake Tummel
Leah Betcher says
I enjoyed talking Care of Bernie at Son Heaven. We had lots of laughs and hugs. I will miss her. I can’t wait to see her wonderful smile in heaven. Love you Bernie
Love from Leah Betcher
T0M MORROW says
Gordon, John and families. Your mother was a big part of the Morrow family growing up. She was a true friend of our family. I’m sure she happy to be with her old friends and relatives. Her joy is back. May you find peace in your hearts knowing she was always loved. Best regards. Tom Morrow
Tomas Zuelke says
As her grandson, I got to have a firm connection with her. All though I did not get to see her a lot, as we live in different parts of the country, I would speak with her almost every Saturday until she died. She was funny, smart, and beautiful. Sadly, I wasn’t able to attend her funeral as I had some end of course exams for school. I know I speak for my older brother, Josh, when I say we miss her greatly! She is gone but never forgotten. I love you grandma, and I’ll meet you in the next life.