Bernadette Potter

Bernadette “Bernie” Marie Potter, daughter of Peter Anthony and Cecelia Elizabeth (Arntz) Hansen was born December 31, 1945 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She was the second of eight children. Bernie passed away peacefully after a short battle with pneumonia on Monday, January 3, 2022, surrounded by family at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA at 76 years of age.

Bernie grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1963. She was married to Stephen Lee Potter on June 7, 1969 in Aberdeen and were blessed with two daughters. After living in West Liberty for several years, Steve and Bernie moved to the Murray area in 1976. Bernie loved, cared, and shaped the lives of over 200 children for 45 years. She was truly loved and will be greatly missed.

Bernie was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church in Osceola, helping with many activities over the years. She was a huge TV sports fan and loved the Chicago Cubs. Bernie collected beanie babies, was an avid reader, crocheted afghans, and enjoyed going to the Casino. Bernie always believed that family was a very important part of her life, cherishing events like family reunions, birthday celebrations and holidays. She was an amazing daughter, sister, cousin, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, caregiver and friend to all.

Bernie joins in heaven her parents and her sisters, Elizabeth Hansen, Fran Shaff, and Arlene Quist. Bernadette leaves behind, to make their own cinnamon toast; her loving husband of 52 years, Steve of Murray, IA, daughters, Deanne (Scott) Rowland of Grimes, IA, and Karen (Doug) Jones of Afton, IA, grandchildren, Bryce, Tanner, and Grace Rowland, and Trevor Jones, sister, Colletta (Joe) Kosiba of IN, brother, Richard (Marcia) Hansen of SD, brother, LeRoy (Terry) Hansen of VA, sister, Denise (Charlie) Salwei of CO as well as numerous relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be open Friday January 7, 2022 at the Kale Funeral Home in Osceola. Rosary services will be 4 p.m. and family will be present from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday January 8, 2022 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Osceola with interment at the Murray Cemetery following her Mass.

Wearing of face coverings is welcome. If you are unable to attend the Mass, live streaming will be available on Bernie’s tribute page at www.kalefuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be directed to her family for a fitting tribute to be decided at a later date.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com