Bernice Blees

Bernice Blees passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and beloved pets on November 7, 2024. She was 99 years old. 

Bernice was born on October 11, 1925, in Bremerton, WA, to William and Frieda (Hilflicker) Motzkus. She graduated from Central High School and worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard until the end of WWII. Bernice married Edmond Retzloff and had two children, Sharon and Robert. After her first marriage ended, she met and married John Blees. They had three children together, Richard, Donna, and Betty. During the following years, she ran a daycare, worked for Day’s Tailoring, and retired from Harrison Memorial Hospital while working as a housekeeper. Never being one to sit idle for too long she went to work for Walmart, returning to the workforce for an additional 13 years, before retiring for good in 2013. 

Bernice was a devout Christian who loved spending time with family and friends playing cards, working puzzles, and listening to bluegrass music. She filled her remaining free time with crafting, embroidery, crocheting, knitting, gardening, and bowling. She was an avid and devoted Mariner fan, making sure to watch every game possible and amassing an impressive memorabilia collection.

Bernice is preceded in death by her parents, William and Frieda Motzkus, two brothers William and Robert, her son Robert, and granddaughter Leann. She is survived by her son Richard Blees, three daughters Sharon Kepley (Thomas), Donna Lopez, and Betty Blees, 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. She was a very loving and caring mother, grandmother, GG, and friend. All who knew her loved her and she will be missed so very much. 

Celebration of Life will be held in the future; details will be determined later. In lieu of flowers please donate to your charity of choice. 

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home on Bainbridge Island, WA