Died Friday June 5, 2020 at Nye Legacy
Bernadine Louise (Bernie) was born June 29, 1924, in Centerville, Iowa, the only child of Harold and Virginia Nelson. The family lived in Centerville, Exline, and Shenandoah, Iowa before moving to Lincoln in 1932. In 1940, the family moved back to Centerville where Bernie enjoyed her senior year, graduating from Centerville High School in 1941. She graduated from Iowa State College (now University) in 1945, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She then moved to Richmond, Virginia, to attend the Medical College of Virginia, where she obtained her Registered Dietician degree.
Bernie worked as a dietician at the University of Illinois Research and Education Hospital in Chicago and at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln. She had returned to Lincoln to reconnect with her high school sweetheart Darrell Dee Devoe. They married on August 17, 1947, in Centerville, Iowa. Bernie and Dee lived in Lincoln before moving to Fremont in January of 1949.
Bernie was active in the Tri Delta alumnae chapter, Home Economics Club, AAUW (serving as president), Presbyterian Women, and her church circle. She served on the Job's Daughters advisory committee and volunteered in the gift shop at the May Museum. She was most proud, though, of serving as an elder in The Presbyterian Church in Fremont, where she was a member for 69 years.
In recent years, her focus was on her family, whom she cherished and who loved her dearly. She died peacefully at Nye Legacy on June 5, 2020, at the age of 95. She is survived by her children Dee Ann (Terry) Wood of Castaic, California, Carolyn Johnson (Greg Hultgren) of Fremont, and David (Laura) Devoe of Bennington, 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and loving friends. The family is grateful for all the love and care she received at Nye Legacy. She will be missed.
Controlled visitation will be Thursday June 11, 2020 from 4-7pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. There will be a private, family graveside service Friday morning. Memorials in Bernie's name may be directed to The Presbyterian Church of Fremont, the May Museum, or Shriner's Hospitals for Children.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(12)
Paula Schroeder Wennstedt
Omaha, NE Tuesday, June 23, 2020 Sending my deepest sympathies to your family. Bernie was such an kind, sweet woman. My mom cherished her friendship with Bernie.Verla Swearingin
Lincoln, NE Sunday, June 21, 2020 To the children of Bernie Devoe: I knew your mother best in the Fremont Presbyterian Church. She was a devoted member and a hard worker, always with a smile on her face and pleasant word for everyone. When I visited my high school classmates in the various senior living places, at Nye Legacy, Bernie's door was usually open and her smile would always welcome me in and we would have a wonderful conversation. I'm sad that Covid-19 put a stop to that. But I am happy that Bernie is now with her husband Dee, and in the heavenly presence of our Lord and Savior. Blessings to each of you.Deb Gasper
Omaha, NE Sunday, June 14, 2020 So sorry to hear about Bernies passing. Condolences to you Carolyn and Louie. She certainly was a Godly women and faithful servant. Thinking of you guys.Sam and Mary Linder
Fremont, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020 We are so sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family especially Carolyn and Louie. If there is anything you need, please let us know.Malcolm Peters
Fremont, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020 Sweet Sweet Bernie, what fond memories in and around church events and with her grandkids and with Dee back in the day. Wishing all family our best at this hard time. What a life 95 years! and now back with her love and in the hands of her heavenly father and to see old friends and family that have gone on ahead of her. It's not goodbye it's just so long for a while as she prepares a place for the family in heaven again one day.Clarice C. Magnuson
Fremont, NE Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Our sincere condolences in the loss of your dear Mother. Debbie and I both have fond memories of her during Linden school days and enjoyed visiting her these past years at Nye Legacy. She was a beautiful person and will be remembered as such by all who knew her.Sandy Cockerham
Barefoot Bay, FL Tuesday, June 9, 2020 My deepest sympathy to you Carolyn and your family in the loss of your Mother. May she RIP .June Wesphal
Fremont, NE Monday, June 8, 2020 Carolyn and family I'm so sorry to hear about your mother I always like to visit with her when I worked for my dad at the store and I know she will be missed but keep her memories alive bye talking about her and remembering her and how fun she was.Sally Lowdermilk
Tucson, AZ Monday, June 8, 2020 Dave,Carolyn & DeeAnn & families,I am so sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of our families together. Your mom was truly a delight & a very dear friend. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers always.
Bobbi Groh
Lincoln, NE Saturday, June 6, 2020 Family of Bernie Devoe,Please accept my deepest condolences. As a child I remember our parents (John and Barbara Groh) and so many other couples gathering for Bridge couple parties and what a big to do that always was and seeing how much fun they had.
Carolyn, thank you for being so thoughtful to take the time to visit with my mom, bringing her a birthday and holiday card when she resided at Providence Place.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Bobbi Groh
Kathy Johnson
Scribner, NE Saturday, June 6, 2020 Carolyn & Family, you have my sympathy. I will be praying for you all.Barb Smith Christiansen
Lakewood, CO Saturday, June 6, 2020 Dearest Carolyn....our hearts go out to you on the loss of your sweet Mom. Although we didn’t get to meet your her, we feel we know her through you. You spoke of her often. She’ll never be further away then your heart which will hold those cherished memories. May the Lord wrap his arms around you, may your friends & family comfort you. Our sincere condolences & much love dear friend.Barbie & Dave