Delores Bernat

Delores Carolina Bernat (nee Heitmann), 95, of Saint Charles, entered her eternal home on Saturday, April 6th, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Henry Bernat; sons, Dennis and David Bernat; son-in-law, Russell Ermeling, granddaughter, Katie Seay; and parents, William and Clara Heitmann. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Ermeling, Nancy Seay and Tracy Bernat, daughter-in-law, Susie Bernat; grandsons, Scott (Kelly), Mike (Marissa), Matt (Laura) Ermeling, Kevin (Cristy), Brian, Brad Seay, Zack (Beth), Nick (Jane), Cody (Erica) Bernat; granddaughters, Kari (Josh Finch) Spaulding, Kristi (Corey) Fanger, Gabrielle (Alexander) Thornton and Danielle (Nathan) Wulfert; step-granddaughters, Julie (Matt) Brower and Sarah (Ruedi) Waltert; brother, Wayne (Esther) Heitmann, twenty-five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Delores was born on January 24, 1929, in Black Walnut, Missouri and she was raised on her family's farm. She attended Trinity Church, then Orchard Farm School and she graduated in 1947, from St. Charles High School. She worked at the heel factory until shortly after her marriage in 1951, and then assisted her husband with their family used car business, Bernat Auto Sales. Delores would like to say that she was a "busy bee." She was an active member of her church, Immanuel Lutheran; she was involved in bible studies, president of the mother's club, treasurer for the church, a volunteer for various activities such as counting the church offering and cooking for the church's sausage suppers. Outside of church she would volunteer at local election polls and participate in activities involving her grandchildren, particularly as UMSL's Sigma Pi's House “Gam Gam” and chaperoning field trips. Delores had several hobbies such as spending time with her children and grandchildren, gardening, sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, playing pinochle and other card games, playing bingo and dominos, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Wheel of Fortune.

Memorials may be made in Delores's name to Alzheimer’s Association or Immanuel Lutheran School and Church.