Corene Bernatz

Corene Aurelia Lonnquist (McCall) Bernatz, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was born in Spencer, NE, third daughter to Hilding and Leona (Ingmanson) Lonnquist. Her young life in Axtell, NE was steeped in the Swedish Lutheran immigrant values of all her relatives who were living there.

Later, her family moved to Hastings, NE where she flourished in school as an artist, a musician, scholar, and friend. She continued her education at Hastings College where she met her first husband (Donald McCall), father to her children. They raised their family in Tecumseh, NE, St. Paul, MN, eventually settling in Rochester, MN. 

Corene was a resourceful, energetic, and creative mother. Her love of making things and collecting antiques gave her home a unique style all her own. She was an avid tennis player who also enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, ice skating, sailing, swimming, and especially drawing and painting. She attained her nursing degree as well and worked at St Mary's Hospital.

In 1983, Corene and Dr. Philip E. Bernatz were married. Their life together was full and active: They designed and built a home, traveled the world, visited and entertained friends and family, and enjoyed civic and social engagements. Corene was an accomplished oil painter who drew from her love of the natural world, her family, her neighborhood, and her friends-including the visiting deer and chipmunks who confounded and delighted her. Remember her when you enjoy a delightful moment of your own: while out walking, or spotting a fawn, or cherishing a newborn, winning in Bridge, admiring a painting, or in the memory of her smile, her laugh, or the sparkle in her eye.

Preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Philip E. Bernatz. Survived by her "offspring" (she loved us in spades): Karen McCall, Don (Deb) McCall, Russell (Debby) McCall, Kate (Bill) Isles; grandsons: Aram Taylor, Ian (Kailyn Habdas) Pengra, Luke McCall, Bo McCall; and great-grandson, Hugo Pengra.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, April 29, at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochester