Bernice Machovsky

Dates

Obituary

Bernice Machovsky, 88, of Mitchell, SD, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, September 4, at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a visitation one hour prior.

Bernice Muriel Machovsky was born to Lawrence and Minnie Hoverson on August 8, 1937, in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. She attended school in Fordville, North Dakota. She met her former husband, Dennis Machovsky, at Bachelor's Grove while at a dance with her sisters. They married and started their life in North Dakota where two of their children were born, Lynn and Loren. They moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, so Dennis could attend school and had baby number three, Debbie. They then made their home in Mitchell, South Dakota, where their last child, Shelly, was born.  

Bernice started her journey caring for the elderly while being employed with Helping Hands. It was a job that she loved, and the people that she helped loved her too. She was always looking out for those who were in need, whether it was food, clothing, a ride to appointments or needing groceries. She also loved a good bargain, and she was a clearance rack "Queen".  She loved her Mitchell rummage sales and was always finding treasures for her grandchildren. Bernice also loved traveling with her sister, Leola, back home to visit her family in North Dakota. Everyone had to be on the lookout when the Hoverson sisters got together - Ella, Edna, Leola, Arlene, Lois, and Bernice - a lot of knee-slapping and laughter would ensue. Oh, how she loved her sisters. She was an amazing cook in her early years, and she retired from cooking after her children left home.  But when they came to visit, she would get out the frying pan and was in charge of making glorified rice and potato salad for all holidays or special occasions. She truly loved watching her grandchildren in their rodeo and school activities, where she was also known for bringing her famous pan of Special K bars. Bernice was well known for her dancing skills. She loved going to the senior center single dances with her lady friends, and danced the night away. Bernice has some dance moves that didn't get passed down to her children.  

We will miss you, Mom, and carry on your famous words "Uffda" & "Ishta".  

Bernice is survived by her four children: Lynn Machovsky of Rapid City, Loren Machovsky of Mitchell, Debbie (Darryl) Buck of Mitchell, and Shelly (Ron) Riggs of Mitchell, as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her former husband, Dennis Machovsky; her parents, Lawrence and Minnie Hoverson; twelve siblings: brothers Albert, Arthur, Chester, Gib, Russell, Victor, sisters Edna, Ella, Leala, Leola, Lois, and Arlene; grandchild, Jeremy Machovsky; and great-grandchild, Maizie Ihnen.

Service