Bernadette "Bernie" Kitsch

Bernadette “Bernie” Mary Manning Kitsch, 95 of Devils Lake formerly of the Garske ND area passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2020 at the Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, October 8, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and sharing at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass.  Burial will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, rural Webster immediately following the funeral Mass. 

Please consider your safety and health and that of others when attending any of the services.  The family thanks you for your many kindnesses and prayerful support and invites you to join them for fellowship at the Parish Center at 1:00 p.m. following the graveside service. 

Bernadette Mary was born on December 23, 1924 at home in Hansboro ND, the daughter of Randy and Mary (Stapleton) Manning.  She attended school in Hansboro until her senior year.  She then attended Cando High School, graduating with the class of 1942.  She continued her education at the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Devils Lake, graduating in 1945.

Bernie was united in marriage to John Thomas “Tom” Kitsch on March 24, 1947 in Las Vegas NV.  They lived on a family farm near Garske ND most of their lives and raised their six children. Tom passed away on September 24, 1993. 

Bernie loved life on the farm, where she could enjoy the beauty of nature, and tend her beautiful flower gardens.  She was a fantastic cook, and always made sure that the family favorites were on the table whenever they came to visit.  She was an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, the Altar Society and taught CCD.  She also enjoyed membership in the Homemakers Club.  Bernie faithfully kept a daily journal of activities and events for many, many years and this “story” of her life is truly treasured by her family.

Bernie’s loving family include her children daughter Lana Hood of Holman WI; sons Doug (Elizabeth) Kitsch, Bradenton FL and Kelly (Connie) Kitsch of Jamestown ND; daughter-in-law LeDonna Kitsch, Burlington IA; eleven grandchildren Dara (Chad) Bartels, Holmen WI, Randy Soper, Waterloo IA, Justin (Peggy) Kitsch, Washington DC, Jodi (Steve) Pederson, Minot ND, Kasey Kitsch, Fargo ND, Alex (Jena) Kitsch, Moorhead MN, Megan (Nolan) Wahl, Jamestown, Douglas Kitsch Jr., Kissimmee, FL, Tracy (Bruce) Taylor, Cedar Rapids IA, Fonda (JT) Mueller, Breckenridge CO and Cammie (Jeff) Hartman, Muscatine IA; 15 great grandchildren Jeffrey, Harley, Jayden, Melissa, Maggie, Max, Lexie, Chloe, Jaye, Rhett, Reece, Ryker, Wren, Sloan and Isley; 2 great great grandchildren Charlotte and Finley; many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Tom, sons Randy, Jack and Kim Kitsch, grandson Chad Soper, great grandson Christian Cockrum, son-in-law Ron Hood, brothers J.R. Manning and Virgo Manning and sister May Winskill.

Casket Bearers will be Justin, Alex and Kasey Kitsch, Randy Soper, Jeff Richards and Rhett Pederson. Honorary Bearers will be Doug Kitsch Jr. and Fonda Mueller. Reading the Scriptures Tracy Taylor and Dara Bartels and Eucharistic Gift Bearers will be Cammie Hartman, Megan Wahl and Jodi Pederson.