Berniece Kompus

Berniece “Bernie” Ann Kompus passed away on May 28, 2021, in Westminster, Colorado.  She was 83.

Bernie grew up on the family farm in Herndon, Kansas, one of nine children of Edward C. and Mary Katherine Pianalto Barenberg. She attended Herndon Rural High School. She graduated from the Nurses Training Program at Marymount College in Salina, Kansas. Bernie dated Larry Lee Kompus during high school. They later married in Herndon, Kansas. Bernie and Larry were married almost 53 years.

Bernie spent her career as a staff registered nurse.  She worked at Pontiac General Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan, and Lourdes Nursing Home in Waterford, Michigan, specializing in geriatrics. Bernie and Larry retired in Colorado.

Bernie volunteered at her children’s school and various charities and organizations.  She enjoyed traveling, and visited places in East Asia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and many road trips in between.  She liked to bowl with her nursing friends, but she adored her family.  She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother.  Bernie was kind, caring and great at remembering birthdays. She and her siblings remained close, despite living far apart. Her four grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Bernie is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Martha Rose, brother, William “Bill” Barenberg, and husband. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Bradley (Walter), son, Darryl Kompus (Leah), and grandchildren: Lizzie Kompus, Chris Kompus, Claire Bradley, and Nathan Bradley.  Bernie is also survived by six siblings: Francis Jaderborg (Frank), Helen Gergely (John), JoAnn Riener (Wayne), Maxine Rooney, Marlene Nowak (Tom), and Edward Barenberg (Paula).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to:

Dignity Hospice of Colorado, 400 East 84th Avenue Suite W-202 Thornton, Colorado 80229 and/or Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Broomfield, Colorado https://www.nool.us/charity

We strongly encourage wearing masks, when possible, to protect our valuable loved ones but it is not required.