Bernadette Steidl

Bernadette Waldorf was born January 2, 1926 in Lake Henry, MN, the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Lieser) Waldorf. She was raised in Lake Henry and completed high school in Paynesville, MN.

Following high school, Bernadette spent a year working in a manufacturing plant that contributed toward the war effort. After World War II, Bernadette was educated as a lab technician in the medical field.

On July 18, 1949, Bernadette was united in marriage to Bernie Steidl in Paynesville, MN. The couple made their home in Washington, D.C., until 1952 when the family returned to Minnesota. Bernadette began working as a technician for Dr. Tanquist; a vocation she held for many years. Her dedication to her job only found interruption to be at home to raise her children, and as her children became adults, Bernadette extended her love for children as a school cook at Carlos, MN.

Bernadette kept a large and copious garden, enjoyed raising produce, and incorporating her garden’s bounty as an exceptional cook and baker. She loved cooking for her neighbors, her children, and her grandchildren. Everyone looked forward to “Mrs. B’s” monster cookies, banana bread, and apple pie. She also was a skilled fish and game preparer.

As an active person, Bernadette loved being involved in her community. She was “Den Mother” for the Miltona Tiger baseball team; she loved to play cards; and she was a member of the Red Hats Club.

Strong faith was a cornerstone of Bernadette’s life. She volunteered her time to her church in whatever capacity was needed. She served in the church choir, led rosaries, participated in prayer chains, helped clean the church, and served in the Daughters of Isabella.

On Tuesday, April 10, 2018, Bernadette died at the age of ninety-two years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie Steidl; daughter, Christine Taylor; and three sisters, Lucille DeMort, Irene Mady and Margaret Wendlandt. Bernadette is survived by her sons, Mark (Donna) Steidl, of Parkers Prairie, MN, Michael (Terri) Steidl, of Alexandria, MN and Matt (Lorie) Steidl, of St. Joseph, MN; daughter, Ruth (John) Fay, of Maple Plain, MN; son-in-law, Scott Taylor of Miltona, MN; grandchildren, Andrew (Jen) Steidl, Charles (Leah) Steidl, Jason Steidl, Sam (Megan) Steidl, Tom (Stephanie) Steidl, Katy (Derek) Anklan, Ally Taylor, Rachel Fay and Abigail Fay; great grandchildren, Nolan Steidl, Lily Steidl, Etta Steidl, Nora Steidl, Olivia Steidl, Claire Steidl, Jack Steidl, Colton Anklan and Edie Steidl; and two sisters, Jeanette Waldorf of Paynesville and Joanna Pendergast of Edina, MN.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM, Friday, April 20, 2018 at the Church of St. Nicholas in Belle River, MN. Interment in the church cemetery will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Thursday, April 19 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and also one hour prior to the service at church.  In lieu of flowers, Bernadette would have loved donations made to the Lake Miltona Association:

LAKE MILTONA ASSOCIATION

790 East Sandy Beach Drive NE

Miltona, MN 56354

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN.