Bernadine Reiling

   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.

  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.

Stuart Cretsinger

Nicole Reiling

Caden Saathoff

Nevaehni Elcyzyn

Ellie Reiling

Cole Cretsinger

Brayton Roberts

Grace Galloway

Paul Galloway

“How Great Thou Art”

“In The Garden”   “On Eagle’s Wings”

Paige Huntley, Accompanist

“Ave Maria” Sarah Scheffer, Niece, Soloist

Lula Garnes, Accompanist

Jesse Saathoff

Tyler Pickett

Chris Reiling

Gavin Cretsinger

Lyndsey Greiner

Madison Galloway

Annunciation Cemetery, Coon Rapids

PEO Honor Guard