Bernadine was born on August 27, 1915 in Rock Island, a daughter of Edward J. Schmitt and Minnie Erbs Schmitt. Bernie was a 1934 graduate for St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Rock Island. In 1939 she graduated from the St. Anthony’s School of Nursing, Rock Island. She worked as a Registered Nurse in various hospitals in the Chicago area including the Veteran’s Research Hospital in Maywood, IL. She had also worked as a private duty nurse. Later Bernie worked as an Industrial Nurse at the International Harvester Farmall Works, Rock Island. She retired from International Harvester in 1980. She was a charter member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. Her other memberships include the Alter & Rosary Society of the church, the Scarlett O’Manor Red Hat Society at Friendship Manor and the St. Anthony’s School of Nursing Alumni Association. Bernie had also been a volunteer at Trinity Medical Center. She enjoyed all kinds of sports, traveling and shopping.

Survivors include a sister in law, Vivian Schmitt; and several nieces, nephews; great nieces, great nephews; and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

Bernie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Virgil Schmitt, Edward M. Schmitt and a sister, Zelda Schmitt. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com