"So sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. She was a wonderful person and I have fond memories of good times on Elms Street. I was out of town for the services and sorry I could not attend the viewing and visit in person. My sympathy to the family."
In loving memory of
Bernadine Reiling
August 11, 1931 - February 6, 2017
Bernadine Marie, daughter of George J. and Alice C. (Skalla) Anthofer, was born August 11, 1931 at Carrollton in Carroll County, Iowa. She attended Annunciation Catholic schools in Coon Rapids. Bernadine then worked as a nanny for a local family. She loved this job and it would expand her horizons and enrich her life for years to come.
On November 15, 1949, Bernadine was united in marriage with Raymond J. Reiling at Annunciation Church in Coon Rapids. Six children were born to this union. Bernadine held various jobs in the community before working as the director of food service at Coon Rapids schools. She felt a deep satisfaction in touching the children’s lives. She retired in 1996 after 23 years. Bernadine also enjoyed cooking for her family, sewing and gardening. Following retirement, she was active in a garden club, took a dream trip to Europe and gave back to the community through many volunteer opportunities. Bernadine was a member of Annunciation Parish in Coon Rapids, and she served on the Ladies Guild, Parish Council and as a CCD teacher through the years. She also participated in PEO, the Red Hat Ladies and the Kitchen Cluckers band. Bernadine’s life was filled with the love and kindness she brought to all.
Bernadine’s husband Ray passed away in 1997. She lived a full and independent life until her health began to fail and she moved to the Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home in November of 2016. Bernadine peacefully died there surrounded by family on Monday, February 6, 2017. She was 85 years, 5 months and 6 days of age.
Bernadine is preceded in death by her parents; husband Raymond Reiling; grandchildren Lucas Lyons and Claire Galloway; and brothers Leonard and Joe Anthofer.
She is survived by her children: Susan Waters (James) of Ankeny, and children Ryan (Rosie) and Jesse (Danna); Thomas Reiling (Mary) of Coon Rapids, and children Katie (Justin), Chris (Gail), Dan and Matthew (Emily); Nancy Bruening (John) of Coon Rapids, and children Rob (fiancé Cherie) and Lyndsey (Jeremy); James Reiling (Julie) of Grove, OK, and children Tyler (Kristin), Nicole and Andrew; Mary Cretsinger (Wiltsie) of Coon Rapids, and children Jonathan (Randi), Stuart (Melissa), Ethan (Kennedi) and Gavin; and Jane Galloway (Paul) of W. Des Moines, and children Madison and Grace; 25 great grandchildren; siblings: Ed Anthofer (Bonnie); Clara Anthofer; Albert Anthofer (Lavonne); Teresa Linscheid (Alan); Irene Scott; Betty Hatton (George); Ron Anthofer (Rita) and Joyce Schmidt (Ken); other relatives and many friends.
Lector
| Stuart Cretsinger | Nicole Reiling |
Gift Bearers
| Caden Saathoff | Nevaehni Elcyzyn |
| Ellie Reiling | Cole Cretsinger |
| Brayton Roberts | Grace Galloway |
Eucharistic Minister
Paul Galloway
Music
“How Great Thou Art”
“In The Garden” “On Eagle’s Wings”
Paige Huntley, Accompanist
“Ave Maria” Sarah Scheffer, Niece, Soloist
Lula Garnes, Accompanist
Casket Bearers
| Jesse Saathoff | Tyler Pickett |
| Chris Reiling | Gavin Cretsinger |
| Lyndsey Greiner | Madison Galloway |
Interment
Annunciation Cemetery, Coon Rapids
PEO Honor Guard
Tributes
"I remember Bernie as the friendly lunch lady during my time at CR-B. Bernie's niece, Sarah, was in my class and because we hung out together Bernie got to know me too. She always had a kind word for to say whenever she saw me even on I was on my own. Bernie would ask about my day and how things were going. I always missed her smiling face when she had a day off! When I was in high school I missed Bernie as she was over in Bayard at the Middle School still, but sometimes she'd fill-in for someone (I assume) so, on occasion, I'd still get to see her! *I believe that this is all correct information about Bernie's time as a lunch lady. Since I was a kid I could be wrong about the details, but I absolutely remember her smiling face and kindness! :)"
"Great memories of the Reiling Family. Bernie was one of our mom's best friends. Our family shared a lot of good times in the backyard on many summer holidays. I was fortunate to work with Ray at the Garst company. Your family was a blessing to all of us. Kevin"
"My sympathy to all of Bernie's children, grandchildren and siblings. Bernie and I were grade school best friends. I haven't seen her in many years. I remember her fondly. i know she will be missed."
"Jane and Paul, and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in our prayers. The Epps"
"Bernie...you will be missed as I will always remember you as one of our excellent cooks at Annunciation Catholic School. My sympathy to all of the family."