Bernadette Koetter

Bernadette K. Koetter, age 77 of Bemidji, formerly of Freeport, died peacefully at her home on Thursday, October 7, 2004.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 10, 2004 at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji, followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 12 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Rev. Roger Klassen, OSB will officiate with interment following in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Golden Years Senior Citizens and Christian Mothers will pray at 4 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 8 p.m. Monday evening at the church.

Bernadette Kathryn Eveslage was born March 16, 1927 in St. Augusta, Minnesota to Ferdinand and Loretta (Storkamp) Eveslage. She married Alois B. Koetter on May 20, 1947 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Bernadette farmed a dairy farm in Freeport with her husband Al. She worked as a licensed practical nurse at the Albany Hospital and later at St. John's Abbey in Collegeville. After a 25 year nursing career, Bernadette moved to Bemidji where she lived with her son Ron Koetter and his family. She had always been an active member of the community, attempting to make a difference in others' lives. She remained active in several organizations, including United Cerebral Palsey, Council of Catholic Women, Catholic Aid Association, and the Senior Companion Program. She was an Oblate of St. John's Abbey. Bernadette loved fishing, spending time in her flower gardens, as well as cooking and baking for her family. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wilton, Minnesota.

She is survived by four sons, Rick (Ruth) Koetter of St. Cloud, Ron (Chris) Koetter of Bemidji, Mark Koetter of Freeport, and Al (Tammy) Koetter of Melrose; three daughters, Maxine (Armin) Bruegger of Minneapolis, Patricia Schreifels of Coon Rapids and Mary (Mark) Spoden of Cohasset; special family friends, Peggy and Matt Mathias of Kimball; 12 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; three brothers, Leo Eveslage of Melrose, Melvin \Bud\" Eveslage of Melrose