Josephine Anna Bernard 1885 - 1940

UMHOEFER, BERNARD

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/23/2022 at 20:17:53

The Anthon Herald
24 January 1940

Funeral services were conducted at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, January 18, 1940, in St. Joseph's Catholic Church for Mrs. James Bernard, beloved resident of the Anthon community who passed away at 6:40 a.m. Tuesday, January 16, at her farm home six miles northwest of town. Rev. A. Conlon, pastor, officiated at the last rites. Interment was in Mt. St. Joseph's Cemetery under direction of Hudgel's Funeral Service.

Josephine Anna Umhoefer, eldest daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Umhoefer, was born October 6, 1885, near Cherokee, Iowa. In the fall of 1890 she moved with her parents to Alvord, Iowa, where she resided for 18 years and grew to womanhood. After making her home for three years at LeMars, Miss Umhoefer moved with her family to Anthon in 1910.

On February 14, 1912, she became the bride of James Bernard, and they were the first couple to be married in the new St. Joseph's Church. All of her married life was spent on the same farm northwest of Anthon.

Eight children were born to the Bernards, and all survived their mother except for a daughter, Mary Jeanette, who died in infancy. The living children are Leone of Oakdale, Iowa; Dolores of Hazard, Nebraska; Frank, Wilfred, Lucille, Mildred and Joan, all at home.

Other survivors include her husband; her father, J.J. Umhoefer, a sister, Mayme, and four brothers, Clarence and Roy of Anthon; Irwin of St. Mary, Kansas; and Joseph of New York City.

Although Mrs. Bernard had not been in the best of health for a number of years, her last illness was short. About the first of the year she contracted the flu. Complications developed and a heart attack caused her condition to become critical Sunday noon. Having lived a fine Christian life, she was prepared to answer the eternal summons, and her death was a happy one. Mrs. Bernard was a most kind, loving and devoted wife and mother. Her interests were centered in the home and rearing a fine family, and she was very successful in the latter respect. A devout Catholic, Mrs. Bernard practiced the teachings of her faith in her everyday life and was held in the highest regard by all who knew her.