Bernadine E. Steffes

Bernadine was born on October 26, 1923, the daughter of Rose and Joseph Huerkamp, on the family farm in rural Iona, Minnesota. She spent her childhood on the farm with her 14 siblings.

In 1941, Bernadine was united in marriage to Theodore "Ted" Steffes. They resided in Southern Minnesota for many years working together in farming.

In 1955, Bernadine and Ted moved to the Red River Valley area and continued to farm. Bernadine was a devoted wife and loving mother to her seven children. They belonged to the Catholic Church in Dilworth, Minnesota, where Bernadine was a member of the Ladies Aide.

In 1980, Bernadine and Ted retired from farming and moved to Moorhead, Minnesota, where Bernadine became an active community volunteer. Bernadine enjoyed crocheting and crafts and created many surprises for her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She also took joy in gardening. She had a green thumb which many people envied. Bernadine was a wonderful caregiver, always putting everyone before herself.

Ted passed away in 1984, and at that time Bernadine moved to Eventide where she lived for seventeen years and continued to volunteer. She loved to assist with Mass, sing in the choir and donated many hours helping others.

In 2012, Bernadine moved to Riverpointe Assisted Living, Moorhead, where she resided for her remaining years. Under the loving care of her family, Riverpointe staff, and Hospice of the Red River Valley, Bernadine passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at ninety years of age.

As a child of the depression era, Bernadine instilled in her children the values of hard work, faith, and family bonds. She will be missed always and loved forever. She will be greatly missed by her son, Joe (Mary); daughters, Rita (Dennis), Lorelei (David), Marilyn (Loren), and Sue (David); son-in-law, Michael; daughter-in-law, Cheryl; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-four great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore; sons, Terry and Mark; and a daughter, Rose Mary.

Visitation will begin at 10 AM, Monday, April 28, 2014, followed by a Life Celebration Mass at 11 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moorhead.

Burial will take place at St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery, Casselton, ND.