Bernadette Philomena Leibold

Bernadette Philomena Leibold age 85 of Lawler died Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Hillcrest Home in Sumner surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2024, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. James Goerend celebrating the Mass.  Interment in the church cemetery with Reid Bramow, Aiden Bramow, Hunter Bramow, Jake Leibold, Walker Leibold and Luke Friedman serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in New Hampton.

Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass on Monday at the church.

Berne was born in rural Waucoma, Iowa, to Clair and Ella (Goerend) Hosting. She grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Iowa countryside and attended school in Fort Atkinson, where she graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1956. During her school years, she found joy and camaraderie on the basketball court, creating memories she treasured throughout her life.

Fate brought Berne and Don Leibold together one memorable evening at a dance at the Inwood Ballroom in Spillville. Introduced by a mutual friend, the spark between them was undeniable, and on January 9, 1960, they began a lifelong journey together. Their marriage was filled with love and devotion, and together they built a beautiful family, raising six children: Ron, Joellen, Michele, Lori, Tami, and Marie.

The family made their home in Lawler, Iowa, where Berne dedicated herself to creating a warm and welcoming environment. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper, first at Frana Distributing in Calmar and later at C.A.S.H. Inc., formerly Harrys, where she continued even after retirement, a testament to her strong work ethic and commitment. Above all, Berne’s greatest joy was her family. Her love for her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren was boundless, and she delighted in every moment spent with them. Christmas was especially dear to her heart, as it brought everyone together to celebrate and create lasting memories. She would decorate her house from top to bottom with an explosion of handmade Christmas decorations, and oh the smells of cookies, candy and her famous cinnamon roll Christmas wreaths.

Berne was a woman of many talents and interests. She found joy in sewing, crafting baking, and cake decorating, each a reflection of her creativity and love for others. She even took her crafts on the road to share with others at craft shows. She also had an adventurous spirit and a deep appreciation for travel. Whether it was a short camping trip to Pulpit Rock in Decorah or Caledonia, Minnesota, or a longer journey out West with her beloved Don, she embraced every adventure with enthusiasm and gratitude. Berne’s life was a testament to the power of love, family, and a generous heart. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those she loved will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Berne is survived by one son, Ron (Laurie) Leibold of Lawler; five daughters, Joellen (Gary) Friedman of DeWitt, Michele (Steve) Lensing of Fredericksburg, Lori (Jeff) Brannan of Oskaloosa, Tami Bramow of Lawler, and Marie (Dennis) Robison of Troy, Illinois; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren with two on the way; one sister, Sue Pollard of Boone, IA; one sister-in-law, Bernice Hosting of Fort Atkinson; one brother-in- law, Herb Irgens of Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don in 2022; one brother, Clair Hosting Jr; one sister, Mary Jo Irgens.