Bernice Lucille Holtan Crouch, age 98, joyfully joined Jesus in heaven on October 13, 2025. Bernice was born on July 23, 1927 to parents Alfred Holtan and Minnie Lee Holtan, and raised in a family of nine children in rural Kasson, MN. Bernice was a graduate of Kasson High School in 1945, and went on to Mankato’s School of Cosmetology to become a hairstylist. After completing cosmetology school, she set up her own beauty shop in Dodge Center, MN where she met her future husband, Harlie Crouch in 1950. They married on February 18, 1951, and moved to rural West Concord (just west of the old Concord Store) where Harlie began his career as a farmer, and Bernice set up a beauty salon in their home. They had three children together, Garth (Connie) Crouch, Betsy (Dave) VanBurkleo, Kathy (Steve) O’Connor.
Bernice dedicated many years to leading Sunday School music for the children at Trinity Lutheran Church in West Concord, where her passionate voice also resonated in worship. She lived a life of spreading love, joy, blessings, and of course, hugs. Just meeting her at the grocery store, church, or on a walk made your day brighter! A lover of hats, flowers, crafting, and Christmas, she also shared her joy through ‘Hat Shows’ across the Midwest spreading the message of Jesus.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband Harlie, son Garth, granddaughter Jenny. She is survived by her two daughters, daughter-in-law, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of love.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in West Concord, MN on Sunday, November 2nd at 2 PM (301 Highland St). To rightly celebrate the beautiful life of Bernice, ‘the hat lady’, all are encouraged to wear a hat. Refreshments will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bernice's honor may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday School, West Concord Fire & Ambulance, or West Concord Historical Society.
