Bernadine Duchscher

April 28, 1933-June 6, 2023

Bismarck

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Bernadine Rose (Schaan) Duchscher passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in Bismarck, North Dakota. She was born in Rugby, North Dakota on April 28, 1933. She was one of 11 children born to Valentine and Rosa Schaan.

Bernie grew up in Balta, North Dakota and graduated from Balta High School in 1951. She met John Duchscher at the Balta dance hall. She married the handsome John Duchscher on November 26, 1951. They had eight children and raised them with unconditional love, faith in God, and a lot of hard work. There was always activity, music and a lot of laughter going on in the home. It was a home, not just a house, because of the two of them and their love for their children.

Bernie always had coffee ready and a plate of cookies for anyone who stopped in. She was a very good cook and welcomed many grateful friends and family to her table. She loved listening to our father sing at family functions and events around and outside of North Dakota. It brought her so much joy and pride in being his wife! He was her celebrity! She didn’t have much time for a hobby, but she enjoyed her soap opera, The Young and Restless on weekday mornings. We all knew to give her that hour.

Bernie had a lot of one liners called “Bernieisms”. Here are two of her favorites:

“If you can’t sleep, it’s because God wants you to pray!”

“Don’t just pray for your kids, but pray for their friends too!”

Forever in our hearts and always, always in our prayers. Love you, Mom.

Bernie is survived by her children, Deborah (Randall) Meduna, Dorothy (Charles) Vedvick, Rebecca Jordan, Brenda (Wilson) Graham, Colette (Rodney) Heilman, Lois (Joseph) Clark and John Duchscher, Jr; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Duchscher; 21 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; many many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2021 (of almost 70 years); oldest son, Carl Duchscher; son-in-law, Ronald Jordan; her parents and 10 siblings and many other cherished family and friends.

Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with burial in the church cemetery. Father Paul Duchschere, Celebrant and Deacon Seth Skjervheim, assisting.

Organist: Angie Deplazes Vocal leader/Cantor: (Bernie’s children) Lois Clark and John Duchscher Jr.

Readers: (Bernies’ children) Dorothy Vedvick and Colette Heilman.

Honorary & Gift Bearers: Granddaughters, Sarah Slauter, Colette Roller, Ralynn Vedvick, Jennifer Stewart, Cassie Tofteland, Abigail Newman, Hannah Heilman, Josey Clark and Chyanne Clark.

Casket Bearers: Grandsons, Casey Meduna, Cody Meduna, David Vedvick, Jason Duchscher, Shane Duchscher, Nick Duchscher, Nathan Duchscher, Jesse Jordan, Cameron Graham, Travis Graham, Jared Heilman and Scott Clark.

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, June 17, 2023.