Bernetta Heitkamp, of Montevideo, died Sunday, April 12, 2015 at her home in Montevideo at the age of 94.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 10:30AM at the United Methodist Church in Montevideo with Pastor Gwen Bohlke officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church.
Bernetta Iown (Husby) Heitkamp was born June 15, 1920 to Ingmar and Bertha (Lanes) Husby in rural Montevideo, Leenthrop Township. She was baptized and confirmed in the Black Oak Lutheran Church in rural Montevideo. She graduated from Montevideo Central High School in 1939. Bernetta then attended Windom Teacher’s College in Montevideo She taught in the rural schools until she was married.
Bernetta was united in marriage to Glenn Eugene Heitkamp on August 29, 1943 at Black Oak Lutheran Church. Bernetta and Glenn had two children James and Richard. They lived for 60 years on the Heitkamp farm east of Montevideo. When Glenn passed away Bernetta moved into Montevideo. Bernetta was very active in the United Methodist church, where she taught Sunday school, participated in circle, served as communion steward, and served as chairperson of the memorial committee for many years. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, Homemakers club, Fiesta Flora Society, Flying Geese Quilt Club and many other community organizations. Bernetta’s love of gardening lead her to attend classes and earn her certificate as a Master Gardener in 1987 and receive the Award of Merit in gardening. She was also a life member of the V.F.W Auxiliary. In 2008 Bernetta was awarded the Outstanding Senior Volunteer of Chippewa County.
Bernetta enjoyed many other activities including: gardening, traveling, sewing quilts, and visiting with her family and friends. She cherished the times she spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild. Her family remembers her wonderful gardens with sweet potatoes, strawberries and raspberries, the quilts she made for her family and friends and her chicken noodle hotdish made from scratch.
Bernetta is survived by her sons: James and wife Diane of Kasson, MN and Richard and his wife Diana of Annandale, MN; 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild..
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Glenn in 2003; her brother and sister in-law, Howard and Arlene.