Bernice D. Stickney, 87, of Sparta died Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. She was born on April 22, 1918 in Sparta to Ernest and Mary (Hugo) Langhre. She grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 1936. She attended business college in La Crosse.

     Bernice married Richard F. Stickney on January 19, 1946 in Sparta. After marriage they lived in the State of Washington for two years. They moved back to Sparta and she worked at various jobs and raised her family. She was a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Sparta and belonged to the Ladies Aid.

     She is survived by her husband, Richard F. Stickney of Sparta; her children, Dale (Deanna) Stickney of Sparta, Irv (Sue) Stickney of Lee’s Summit, MO; Sheryl Olson of Sparta; nine grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Chester; three sisters, and three brothers.

     Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Sparta with Reverend Mark Wessel officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Cemetery.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Sunday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.