"My Deepest Sympathy to all the Family, Your Mother, was a Very Special Friend For Many Years and still is, May the Lord Blessings be with All of you. Eternal Rest Grant Unto Her, and Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her. May she Rest In Peace."
In loving memory of
Barbara E. Bernhard
October 25, 1943 - January 8, 2022
Funeral Mass for Barbara Bernhard, 78, of Algona, will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM Wednesday at the Church with a Rosary Beginning at 10 AM.
Barbara Elizabeth (Kellner) Bernhard was born the fifth child of Vincent and Geneva (Bowman) Kellner of Ottosen, at the old Kossuth Hospital in Algona on Monday, October 25, 1943. Fifteen days later Geneva died; then Kate and Matt Bormann were appointed guardians of Barbara. She lived with them until 1963.
She attended grade school in St. Benedict until May of 1956. She was a freshman at Algona High School and a sophomore at St. Cecelia's Academy. She graduated from Garrigan High School in 1961. Following graduation, the Sisters of Mercy hired her as their medical records librarian where she worked two years at St. Ann's Hospital in Algona.
On November 23, 1963, Barbara was united in marriage to Mark Bernhard of Bancroft at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. Following their marriage, the couple established their home on a farm near Seneca where they raised their children.
Barbara was active in St. John's Parish in Bancroft as a member of the Altar Society, Renew Program, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Lay Ministry, and several different prayer groups. She taught with the Religious Nurture Program for the mentally handicapped for many years. Barbara was gifted with artistic talents which included interior design, oil painting, egg decorating, ceramics, and floral design. She enjoyed landscaping and maintained a large yard and garden for many years.
In March of 2013, Barbara and Mark retired to their home in Algona. They quickly adapted to the parish life at St. Cecelia's, helping with funeral dinners and joining prayer groups. Barbara also enjoyed singing with the church choir. She was a member of the Algona Garden Club and spent many hours sitting on the deck visiting with treasured friends and enjoying her flowers. Reading historical fiction was a favorite pastime when relaxing.
Barbara went to her heavenly reward on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the age of 78.
She is survived by three children, Alan Bernhard of Bancroft, Judith Bernhard MD and her husband Brad Wardenburg of Williamsburg, and Andrew Bernhard of Burt; and three grandchildren, Calista Bernhard, Luke Bernhard, and Joshua Bernhard. She is also survived by sisters Janice (William) Neisler, Christine (Gary) Barth, Emma Jean (Gary) Lint; four brothers, Robert Kellner, William Kellner, Dean Kellner, and Paul Kellner; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceding her in death are her husband, Mark; her parents Geneva and Vincent Kellner; her step-parents, Matt and Kate Bormann; her infant son, Joseph and daughter, Joan; her three brothers, Francis Kellner, Vincent Kellner, Larry Kellner; her sister, Lori (Dan) Frasher; two step-brothers and their wives, Donald (Camilla) Bormann, and Albert (Dolores) Bormann; and her daughter-in-law, Kimberly (Pedelty) Bernhard.
Tributes
"Alan, Judy and Andy, My deepest sympathy to you on your mom\'s passing. I always enjoyed talking with her. Barbara could have a sly sense of humor and would usually tease me at least once during a visit. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Becky"
"Barb\'s hospitality was legendary. She had the extraordinary gifts of attentiveness and generosity, and you always knew that you could count on her prayers! -Dcn. Charlie (nephew)"
"She so sweet to dad and us when we were at Good Sam. She made pie for dad. What a lovely lady. God bless her family. "
"You will be loved and missed, and will always love you my dear sister. From your sister Jan."
"Dear cousins, please accept our sympathy on your mother?s passing. I have a wonderful memory of her showing off her prized flower arrangements at the fair. She always had a smile and quiet manner. She was a woman of faith, and is now at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kathy and Mike O?Neil"
"Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother and grandmother. As a woman of faith, her joy showed in her bright smile and cheerful attitude. I missed seeing her in church and parish functions when they moved to Algona but, with that move, she continued contributing her service in her new parish. May you find peace knowing that she made our world a better and more positive place in which to live! My prayers are with all of you. "