Christian Biography of Bernadine (Mertens) Karmazin

Bernadine Elizabeth Karmazin, the daughter of Chris and Lena (Menke) Mertens, was born on March 14, 1929 in Lawrence, Nebraska. She passed away on October 12, 2019 at the Brodstone Memorial Hospital at Superior, Nebraska at the age of 90 years, 6 months, 28 days.

Bernadine was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Church, Lawrence. She attended Sacred Heart Parochial School and graduated from Lawrence High School and attended Lincoln School of Business. She was a 54-year member of Sacred Heart Church and Altar Society in Nelson.

She was united in marriage to Willard Karmazin on October 11, 1949 at Sacred Heart Church in Lawrence. This union was blessed with 7 children. Bernadine was a homemaker and was also employed with the U.S. Postal Service.

She enjoyed quilting and crocheting, especially doilies, and she collected Precious Moment figurines. She loved watching Husker football, volleyball and was always ready to play cards or dice games.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Willard on August 10, 2005; brothers Eugene and Ray Mertens, son-in-law David Livingston, sisters-in-law Naomi Mertens, Mildred Svoboda, Elsie Karmazin, Loretta Zigafoos, brothers-in-law Eugene Karmazin, Alan Zigafoos and Ben Svoboda.

Survivors include her children Dan (Kathy) Karmazin of Norfolk, Nebraska; Carol (Stan) Fraas of Waverly, Nebraska; Joyce (Greg) Mitchell of Hastings, Nebraska; Laura Karmazin of Nelson, Nebraska; Mary (Raymond) Hansen of Gillette, Wyoming; Pam Livingston of Waverly, Nebraska; and Bruce (Steve Neely) Karmazin of St. Louis, Missouri; 11 grandchildren: Michelle Karmazin, Corey (Molly) Karmazin, Tara (Tim) Carlson, Stephen (Amy) Karmazin, Matt (Allison) Fraas, Jessica (Brian) Stilwagon, Scott Karmazin, Shauna (Tim) Carpenter, Eric Hansen (Mike Hill) Karma (Eric) Kolcun, and Karissa Livingston; 16 great grandchildren; sister, Marian Souchek of Lawrence, Nebraska; and in-laws Robert Karmazin of Hastings, Nebraska; Geraldine Karmazin of Superior; Nebraska; JoAnn Schneider of Hastings; Nebraska; Joanne Mertens of Hastings, Nebraska; and Betty Mertens of Sutton, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, October 18, 2019 at 10:30 AM from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Superior, Nebraska with Father Boehme officiating, Deacon was Duane Karmazin, Lector was Peggy Cassell, Acolyte was Ron Rempe and Altar Servers were Jace & Joel Hoelting.

Music was "All Are Welcome," "Lord Whose Love in Humble Service," "On Eagle's Wings," and "Amazing Grace," and solo "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman," with Sheri Buescher as the vocalist and Linda Ostdiek as her accompanist.

Visitation was held on Thursday from 5-7 with the family present at St. Joseph's Church. The rosary recited at 7:00 PM at the church.

Pallbearers were Corey Karmazin, Stephen Karmazin, Matt Fraas, Scott Karmazin, Eric Hansen and Eric Kolcun. Honorary Pallbearers were Michelle Karmazin, Tara Carlson, Jessica Stilwagon, Shauna Carpenter, Karma Kolcun, and Karissa Livingston.

Interment was held at 2:00 PM at the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Lawrence, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to the Superior Good Samaritan Society for the remodeling of the dining room or Sacred Heart Altar Society.

Condolences may be sent to Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, 446 South Main St., Nelson, Nebraska 68961 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Klawitter-Price Funeral Home of Nelson, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.