Bernice "Bernie" Leahy

Bernice “Bernie” Leahy, age 90, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on July 20th, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 PM with Time of Gathering from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake MN. Bernice will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Bernice Lavonne (Gylsen) Leahy was born in Lowry, Mn. On April 29th, 1935 to her parents Noah and Beatrice Gylsen. She was the second of six children. The family moved to Glenwood, MN, where Bernice graduated from high school. She preceded to enroll in nurses training at Abbott Northwestern Hospital where she graduated with honors. From there she held many nursing positions, including Rochester State hospital and Cedar Pines nursing home, where she retired as Assistant Nursing Director. From there, Bernice was the community health care nurse for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community where she developed many long-term friendships. She was also asked to be godmother to many Native American children. On December 31st, 1963, Bernice married the love of her life, Mike. Together, they had 3 children, Shelly, Jeff, and Greg. They resided in Minneapolis and in 1978, bought their dream lake home on Prior Lake, MN. Many wonderful memories were created there. The family became members of the Prior Lake waterski show and traveled the state performing. Bernice absolutely loved being involved in the costume designs and dressing the performers.

In 1994, Bernice and Mike welcomed the first of 3 grandchildren. The joy these children brought to her life was immeasurable. They truly became Bernice and Mike’s world, and they spoiled them immensely with love. Rarely were Bernice and Mike seen apart. They were the best of friends and were very active in their community. Mike was in the honor guard for the Prior Lake VFW and Bernice was in the auxiliary. They loved the VFW and socializing with all of their friends on bingo night. Many family functions were planned around bingo night as it always took precedence. Bernice was involved in numerous volunteer activities after retirement, and she held her nursing license until she was 80 years old. This enabled her to help give vaccines for the community health department as well as stay up to date on new medical breakthroughs.

Bernice is survived by her children, Shelly Leahy, Jeff Leahy, and Greg Leahy (Colin Fairman); grandchildren, Kayla Leahy (Riley Broten), Cole Leahy, and Chloe (Landen) Benage; siblings, Armand (Susan) Gylsen, and Marlin (Margaret) Gylsen; and many other loving family members and friends.

She is preceded by her husband, Michael Leahy; parents, Noah and Beatrice Gylsen; siblings, Leona (Ray) Schuhmacher, Melroy Gylsen, and Milton Gylsen; niece, Susanne Brittian; and son Jeff’s longtime partner, Erika Pipitone.