Service Information
Bernadine Pettis, age 79, of Glencoe, passed away Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Sibley State Park in New London, Minnesota.
Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 20, 2021, 1:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s UCC Church in Plato, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Friday, August 20, 2021, 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M., one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Bernadine Mae Pettis was born on August 6, 1941, in Morton, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Alphonse and Emily (Svoboda) Ruhland. Bernadine was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth in Morton, Minnesota. She received her education and was a graduate of the Morton High School.
Bernadine was united in marriage to Russel Dean Pettis. They shared 48 years of wedded bliss until Russel’s passing on September 19, 2010. Russel and Bernadine were blessed with one son, Troy Pettis.
Bernadine retired from Telex after 20+ years and began working causal hours over the next 20+ years at Coborn’s Grocery Store as a product demonstrator. She thoroughly enjoyed meeting and greeting the many friends and acquaintances she had made during her 50-years as a resident of Glencoe, Minnesota. Bernie never met a stranger.
Bernadine enjoyed walking and exercising. When she wanted to relax, she loved to bake, put puzzles together, and was an expert at word search. She was an avid fan of college basketball, as well as the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.
Bernadine was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Plato, MN.
“Bernie”, as her friends knew her, cherished the time she spent camping; thoroughly enjoying being the “Campground Host” for the past 18-years and looking forward to seeing the many friends of hers returning each year.
Sadly and unexpectedly Bernie passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at her “home away from home” Sibley State Park in New London, Minnesota.
She is survived by:
Only son, Troy Pettis and his wife Kelly of Orlando, Florida;
Grandchildren, Mitchell Opdahl from Orlando, Max Opdahl stationed in Japan with the Navy, Piper Pettis and Myles Pettis of Minneapolis, Minnesota;
Sister, Lorraine Aufenthie and her husband Tom of Sherwood, Oregon;
other relatives and friends.
Bernadine is preceded in death by her Spouse Russel Pettis and her Parents, Alphonse and Emily Ruhland.
Renee Hartwig says
On behalf of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Program, please accept our condolences on the passing of Bernie. Bernie was a very beloved, longtime campground host at the Sibley State Park Lakeview campsite. Such dedication is rare and we want you to know how much we valued and respected her. Thank you for sharing her caring spirit with us over the years. She will be missed.
With deepest sympathy,
Renee Hartwig
Director of DNR Volunteer Programs
Carol and Jim Pettis says
Our sincere sympathies and prayers for Troy and Kelly for the loss of your mother and mother-in-law, Bernie and our dear sister-in-law. She will be missed. We will miss visiting with her at the campgrounds. God Bless.
Terry and Jim Spranger says
So sorry to hear about Bernie. We are long-time campers at Sibley State Park and have enjoyed many fish fries, campfires, and visits with Bernie, and knew Russ, as well. We just left the park July 25 after spending two weeks there, often visiting with Bernie as she made her way around the park. Our condolences to her family. Sibley will miss you.
Jan Isakson says
Troy and family: So sorry to hear about the unexpected death of your mom. She was always a pleasant and friendly lady when we would reconnect at Pettis Family Reunions. She and your dad were great visitors and were always ready to reminisce about the Pettis cousin’s adventures. They will both be missed. God Bless