Veronica Bernhardt

Veronica was born September 9, 1939, in Flasher, ND, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Klein) Ternes.  She attended Flasher grade school and then St. Lawrence Catholic grade school when it opened, followed by Flasher High School where she graduated in 1957. 

On August 11, 1958, Veronica married the love of her life, Willie Bernhardt, at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Bismarck, North Dakota.  Following their marriage, they moved to Portland, Oregon where they were blessed with five children.

While her children were young, Veronica was more than happy devoting her time to raising them and being an exceptional wife and mother.  She enjoyed sewing, often making quilts for their home, handmade dresses for her daughters, and clothing for their dolls.  Veronica also loved baking, cooking, and graciously hosting meals for family and friends. With the abundant bounty of fruits and vegetables in the Pacific Northwest, her pantry was always lined with lovingly canned jars of peaches, pears, apples, tomatoes, and pickles.

Once her children were more independent, Veronica was able to fulfill her longtime desire for a career in the medical field.  She worked as a medical transcriptionist for over thirty years, often mentoring others. 

Veronica had a steadfast devotion to the Catholic faith and was an active member of Christ the King Catholic church where she attended mass regularly with family for nearly 60 years.  Upon retirement, Veronica was active in the church Prayer Shawl Apostolate, crocheting shawls for those in need of comfort and a prayerful embrace. 

Veronica was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She loved her family and the time spent with them was always a highlight.  She was loved and cherished by those who knew her and will be truly missed.

Veronica is survived by her loving husband Willie of 64 years; her daughters Doris Huttula, Peggy (Willie) Fisher, Pam (Jim) Velasquez, Sandra Sebastian; her son Patrick Bernhardt; grandchildren Lauren and Jake Huttula, Brandon (Leah) and Nick (Rachael) Fisher, Tori and Joe Velasquez, Ted, Rachel, Sara, and Sophia Sebastian, and Kristina (Zach) Teichert; great grandchildren Lydia, Henry, Hailey and Paige Fisher, and Ezra and Winifred Teichert; sisters Frances Neibauer, Caroline Kuntz, Angie Eckroth, Florence Harsche, Rose Lidfors, and Irene Huft.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elizabeth (Klein) Ternes and Joseph Ternes, her brothers Philip Ternes, Frank Ternes, Aloyiuse Ternes and Leonard Ternes, sisters Anastasia (Daisy) Peterson and Alvina Ternes, and son-in-law Dave Huttula.