Loretta Bernholtz, age 88, of Carroll, died Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Kennybrook Village in Grimes, Iowa.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church – St. John Paul II Parish in Carroll. The Celebrant will be Fr. Timothy Johnson. Lector for the funeral mass will be Julie Williamson. Gift Bearers will be: Amy VanDer Sluis, Nicole Romare, Katie Rosenthal, Ryan Bernholtz, Carlyann Bernholtz, Sailer Bernholtz and Tayler McGreevy. Casket Bearers will be: Kenny Bernholtz, Ron Bernholtz, Ron Frazee, John Bernholtz, Dave Bernholtz, and Chad Bernholtz, with Lorretta’s 17 grandchildren: Amy VanDer Sluis, Dawn Harken, Nicole Romare, Tyler Frazee, Katie Rosenthal, Ryan Bernholtz, Marcy Covert, Julia Madsen, Carlyann Bernholtz, Hayley Bernholtz, Lucas Bernholtz, Jacob Bernholtz, Sailer Bernholtz, Karsten Bernholtz, Tayler McGreevy, Jacelyn Temaat, and Corbin Bernholtz as honorary Casket Bearers. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll. A Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. The casket will be moved to St. Lawrence Church on Tuesday morning where visitation will continue from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home and online condolences may be left at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Loretta Ann was born on Feb. 12, 1935 on the family farm South of Carroll Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Wanninger) Sailer. She was baptized at St. Peter and Paul Church in Carroll. Loretta grew up on the family farm with her five siblings. She was the quintessential farm girl, not only helping around the house but assisting in the many farm chores; milking cows and tending to the countless number of chickens, other poultry, and even rabbits.
On January 5, 1955 she was united in marriage to Merle Anthony Bernholtz at St. Peter and Paul Church in Carroll. After their marriage, Merle and Loretta owned and operated the Green Meadows Café and then later bought the butcher shop in the rear of the building with Merle’s brothers Dale and Lyle.
Loretta was a devoted and diligent worker that would only be found resting on Sunday afternoons while watching westerns and busy in her chair with her many handicrafts making afghans, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, and quilting. In the process of raising seven children, Loretta worked at the family business Bernholtz Bros. Locker until Merle retired in 1985.
Loretta was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother who truly loved her friends and family. Although she loved to visit with people and maybe have a beer or two, she was always on the move and loved the chaos of a large family, especially around holidays or during any special event, where her work ethic truly shined through. Never the rest for the weary, on a normal day there were always endless tasks of cooking, baking, cleaning, laundry, gardening, sewing, and tending to her children. She was best known for her amazing fried chicken dinners every Sunday, that would draw her family, extended family and friends around a seemingly small table that everyone managed to fit.
Loretta’s kitchen was a sanctuary where the scent of freshly baked goods and savory dishes embraced all who entered, creating unforgettable memories and good times. Her sewing and craft skills were equally magical; each stitch was woven with care and adorned with her love. Through her talented fingertips and steel blue eyes, she was able to make anything by merely looking at a picture. She took pride in her handmade clothing, making anything from countless swimsuits to formal dresses and suits for special occasions. She intended her quilts, blankets, and other crafted items to be the heirlooms that carried forward her warmth and devotion as treasures for generations to come.
Beyond her skills and work ethic, Loretta had an unparalleled ability to create an atmosphere of love and understanding. She was the epitome of strength, wisdom, and unwavering support, offering guidance and comfort to all who sought her counsel. Her love was a tapestry that enriched the lives of her family and friends, stitching together moments of joy and solace during both the bright and challenging chapters of life.
Loretta had a deep devotion to her faith, never missing a Saturday evening mass. Upon raising her family and after Merle’s death she spent much of her time involved with the church, working at St. Lawrence school cafeteria for many years, putting her cooking skills to good use she ensured all the priests at the Holy Spirit’s rectory were properly fed and spent her later years making rugs for the ladies’ auxiliary.
May Loretta rest in peace, where her smile, laughter, and love will provide the whispers that will forever echo in our hearts, and her spirit continue to kindle the warmth and love she so selflessly and generously shared. You will be dearly missed but your legacy will live on through the countless lives you’ve touched.
Loretta is survived by her children: Kenny (Carmen) Bernholtz of Spirit Lake, Ron (Debb) Bernholtz of Carroll, Karen (Ron) Frazee of Urbandale, John (Mickey) Bernholtz of Denison, Dave (Becky) Bernholtz of Mitchellville, and Chad (Cathy) Bernholtz of Kansas City; 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; her sister: Lillian (Neil) Stork of Atlantic; her sisters-in-law: Mary (Leonard) Sailer of Manning, Rosemary (John) Wiederin of Sargent Bluff, Elva (Lyle) Bernholtz of Carroll, Mary (Dale) Bernholtz of Carroll; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives and many friends.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents: Frank and Anna Sailer; her husband Merle Bernholtz; her son Denny Bernholtz; her daughter-in-law Sandy Bernholtz; her brothers Paul Sailer, Clarence Sailer, Leonard Sailer, Richard Sailer and one brother in infancy Joseph Sailer.
