Obituary of Alvina Bernhardt

BERNHARDT - Alvina Bernhardt of Melville, Saskatchewan and formerly of Killaly, beloved wife of Zack Bernhardt entered her eternal rest with family by her side after six years of illness on Friday, July 8, 2011 at St. Peter's Hospital at the age of 74 years. Alvina was born on August 31, 1936 in the Grayson district of Saskatchewan, a daughter to John and Margaret (nee Hanowski) Appel. After receiving her education, Alvina's first employment was at St. Peter's Hospital in Melville. She met the love of her life Zack and were united in marriage on November 7, 1956 at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Grayson. Together Alvina and Zack were blessed with five children. The couple resided in Killaly where she worked with Zack as a bookkeeper at the Killaly Co-op until 1979. While living in Killaly she worked for Melville and District Home Care. In 1980 she took Correspondence and graduated tech school receiving her degree from Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon. In 1994 the couple moved into Melville where she continued to work for Home Care making it a career for 15 years. Alvina was a people person, everyone who met her loved her and she made many senior's happy when entering their homes while she worked and when leaving Alvina had them happy and smiling with her wonderful sense of humor. Alvina was involved with the Killaly Athletic Club, Killaly Curling Club, St. Elizabeth's Church Council and in Melville with the Catholic Women's League and the Rosary Sodality, spending countless hours volunteering her time when she was able. When her health failed she gave cash donations for many different events. She enjoyed ball, curling, bowling and hockey. Alvina's grandchildren were very special to her watching them in sports events and keeping a keen eye on their education, as well attending every special event. Predeceased by her parents John and Margaret Appel; brothers-in-law, Tony Exner, Tony Ludwar and John Bernhardt and sister-in-law, Alvina Ludwar. Alvina leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 54 years Zack; her five children and their family, Richard (Karen) and children Justin (friend Becky), Katelyn (friend Travis); Verna (Ralph) and children Ian (Carri) and their children Noah and Kaiden, Eric (fiancée Sarah), Dean (friend Ashten), Jeff, Amanda (friend Jimmy); Reginald (special friend Jen) and his children Carla (Shaun), Jordan (friend Madison) and Krystal; Robert (Francis) and children Jeremy and Zarysa; Maureena (Calvin) and children Aaron and Josh; special nephew Alf (Twyla) and children Brendan, Nolan, Derek(Meghan); brothers, Wilfred (Elsie) Appel, Jack (Gloria) Appel, Raymond (Marlene) Appel; sister, Agnes Exner; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ferdinand (Irene) Bernhardt, Donalda (Bill) Goertzon and Minnie Bernhardt; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Prayer Services were held on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. from St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church in Melville, Saskatchewan. Granddaughters, Katelyn Bernhardt, Amanda Douhaniuk and Carla Bernhardt shared some tributes about their grandmother. Len Varga led in the singing of the hymns, "Immaculate Mary" and "Only A Shadow". The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Father Antoni Degutis O.M.I. as the Celebrant. granddaughters, Krystal and Carla Bernhardt did the readings and Intercessions were read by granddaughter, Zarysa Bernhardt. Grandsons, Aaron and Josh Rathgeber were the gift bearers and eucharistic minister were Ralph and Verna Douhaniuk. Altar server was grandson, Jeremy Bernhardt and ushers were Vina Jansen and Geri Huber. Alf Tide gave the eulogy and tributes were by granddaughters, Katelyn Bernhardt, Amanda Douhaniuk and Carla Bernhardt. Organist, Len Gadica led in the singing of the hymns, "On Eagle's Wings", "Peace Is Flowing Like A River", "Amazing Grace" and "Hail Mary, Gentle Women". Honor Guard were members of the Catholic Women's League and the Rosary Sodality. All of Alvina's grandchildren and great grandchildren were the honorary bearers. Casketbearers were grandsons, Eric Douhaniuk, Dean Douhaniuk, Jeff Douhaniuk, Justin Bernhardt, Jordan Bernhardt and Jeremy Bernhardt. The interment will follow at a later date at St. Henry's Parish Cemetery with grandson, Ian Douhaniuk will be the urnbearer. Arrangements were by Bailey's Funeral Home, Melville. Service Information Saturday, July 16th, 2011 11:00am, St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details St. Henry's Roman Catholic Parish Cemetery