Bernie (Bernadette) Monica Ostendorf, 79, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Quiet Oaks Hospice Home, surrounded by her children. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and enduring strength.
Bernie was a devoted mother to Scott (San Francisco), Mari (Santa Monica), Leo (St. Cloud), and Nicole (Guadalajara, Mexico). She was a loving grandmother to Cedar, Sage, and Sofia, and a caring mother-in-law to Jim and Rafa. Family was Bernie’s greatest joy, and she poured her heart into the people she loved most. She raised her four children with resilience, warmth, and unwavering support—values that shaped their lives and will continue to guide them. As a grandmother, she delighted in simple, joyful moments, especially making “summer snowmen” and sharing laughter with her granddaughters.
Bernie loved nature and being outdoors – snowshoeing, kayaking, hiking, and tending to her many flower gardens. She could never pass up an opportunity to deadhead a flower in need. She was especially fond of searching for cardinals and butterflies, and she enjoyed completing puzzles and crosswords.
She also found joy in life’s everyday pleasures: a good book, meaningful conversations, shared meals, a Tequila Rose, and time together with family and friends. Travel was another passion. She loved exploring the world, especially when it meant visiting and reconnecting with loved ones. Her travels often included adventures with or to see her children, including trips to England, Japan, Argentina, Mexico, New York City, New England, and California.
Bernie’s life was grounded in family, friends, faith, and of course, flowers. She opened her heart and home to others, hosting international students who became lifelong family friends. She touched many through her work, volunteering, and quiet generosity. Bernie was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, a valued part of the Paramount Theatre family, volunteered for more than four years with Adopt-a-Drain (caring for 10 drains year-round), enjoyed volunteering at the Stearns History Museum, and was a lifelong blood donor. She dedicated 27 years to St. Cloud Hospital, where she made many dear friends.
Bernie is survived by her siblings, Kathy Elfering, Jim Kerfeld, and Ann Hiltner, and in-laws Mary Ann Kerfeld, Dottie Kerfeld, Kerry Kerfeld, Kathy Kerfeld, Harry Elfering, and Mike Hiltner.
Bernie has been greeted in heaven by her parents, Joe and Bertha Kerfeld, siblings Will, Joseph, Dick, and Tony Kerfeld, and Rosie Rolfes, extended family, and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held this summer, when her children and grandchildren can attend, and the flowers will be in bloom.
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