Bernadine Mary Matz

Bernadine M. Matz, 83, of Elwood, Nebraska, formerly of Lexington, died Monday, July 12, 2010, at Elwood Care Center in Elwood. She was born November 24, 1926, on a farm near Smithfield, Nebraska to August and Mary (Waln) Roepke. Bernadine was the youngest of four siblings including two brothers; Delmar and Owen and two sisters, Marley and Elsie. For her elementary education, she attended a rural school southwest of Smithfield, Nebraska. In high school, she took Normal Training so she could teach school after graduation. A Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education was achieved from Kearney State Teacher’s College in Kearney, Nebraska and she, also, attended Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. She attended classes while teaching. She taught for years in rural schools in Dawson and Gosper counties and finished her teaching career in Overton, Nebraska. On July 25, 1952, Bernadine married Dean E. Matz in Lexington. They raised their two sons, Don and Greg on the farm while Bernadine taught school. In the past, Bernadine enjoyed raising a large vegetable garden and canned the fruits of her labor. They raised pumpkins and gave them away. She loved to entertain friends and family in her home and she never knew a stranger. In her free time, Bernadine liked to sew for herself and crochet, making many beautiful doilies. Dean and Bernadine loved to travel, going to Seattle, Washington to see relatives and also enjoyed Yellowstone National Park. She went on many field trips with her students and especially enjoyed going to Pioneer Village in Minden and the UPRR yard in North Platte. Bernadine moved to Plum Creek Assisted Living in Lexington shortly after the death of Dean and due to failing health, moved to Elwood Care Center in Elwood. She enjoyed the activities at the care home, and especially enjoyed visits from her family. Bernadine is survived by two sons: Don and wife Lorelli Matz of Des Moines, Iowa Greg Matz of Boise, Idaho Three grandchildren: Matthew Matz of Des Moines, Iowa Lenah & Sophia Matz of Boise, Idaho Bernadine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean in 2005; her two brothers and two sisters. Funeral Services will be Friday, July 16, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Reverend Victor Rasmussen officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 15, 2010, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Following the funeral service her body will be cremated and Inurnment will be held at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of Sympathy and Kindness may be sent to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.