Bernice May Kopp Verlanic — September 27, 1946 - December 13, 2025

    Once again, the angels took another beautiful soul back to heaven to join our heavenly Father. In the early morning hours of Dec. 13, Bernice May (Kopp) Verlanic, 79, passed away with her daughter, Kamala Marie Verlanic Ball, by her side at St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula.
    Bernice was born to Nick and Katherine (Ehlis) Kopp in Anaconda on Sept. 27, 1946. She joined her older siblings, Nick and Marianne.
    Bernice attended catholic schools in Anaconda before transferring to Anaconda High School. She met the love of her life, Fred Verlanic, on a double date in 1961. They were married in Idaho Falls in 1963. Fred considered himself a pretty lucky guy! Fred joined the United States Air Force in 1963. During this time, Bernice remained in Anaconda with her family. Their daughter, Kamala, was born in 1965 while Fred was overseas. In 1967, Fred returned from active duty, with son, Bruce, arriving in 1968. After living in Anaconda for a short while, they moved to Missoula, where Fred attended the University of Montana. Upon graduation, the family moved to Deer Lodge, where Fred started his career at the Montana Department of Corrections, and Bernice worked at Young’s Market for Jack and Dorothy Young, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law. She later became a cook, followed by a kitchen manager, at the 4-B’s restaurant for many years. She also worked a few years at the I-90 Auto Plaza. Fred and Bernice relocated to the Swan Valley, where they both worked at the Swan River Youth Camp, later transitioning to the Swan River Boot Camp. This tiny woman with a beautiful smile completely changed career paths by becoming a drill instructor! When the boot camp relocated back to Deer Lodge, Fred and Bernice also relocated and continued working at the boot camp until her retirement.
    Bernice was well known to family and friends for her cooking and baking skills. In her later years, she loved nothing more than spending time with her great-granddaughter, Alaiya, in the kitchen baking special treats. She loved feeding everyone a good meal. Big family gatherings were one of her favorite things. She also loved gardening and camping, where she got to cook for everyone over an open fire.
    Bernice was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Charles Verlanic, and her grandson, Alec Mackenzie Tolon; her parents, Nick and Katie Kopp, and her sister Marianne (Kopp) Calnan. She joins sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dorothy and Jack Young, and sister-in-law Carol Kopp.
    She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Fred Verlanic, daughter Kamala Verlanic Ball and son-in-law Dave Ball, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Shirley and Duane Colwell. Also surviving are grandchildren Trevor Denny, Rechelle (Verlanic) Anderson, Bridgette Verlanic, Alexandra Verlanic, Chris Ball and Marina Ball; five great-grandchildren, Alaiya, Jax, Addilyn, Braydon and Oaklynn.
    Services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Deer Lodge at 11 a.m. on Jan. 3 with a luncheon to follow at St. Mary’s Hall. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
    Longfellow Finnegan Riddle has been privileged to care for Bernice and her family.