JoAnn Bernhardt

Betty JoAnn Bernhardt, passed away on August 25, 2024, in Imperial, Nebraska. She was born on November 1, 1939, in Greeley, Colorado to Philip and Pauline (Stroh) Williams, she was the youngest of two children with her brother, Kenneth. Joann as she was known brought immediate joy to the family. 

From her early years spent in Gill, Colorado area she never shied from helping on the farm or tending to chores with the livestock always wanting to be with her dad. This led to a strong work ethic which carried out the rest of her life until her passing. 

 She attended school in Gill from elementary until High School where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen, graduating in 1957. While in school she became a social butterfly with a personality that attracted many friends which she carried out the rest of her life. 

On December 2, 1957, at St. Paul's Congregational Church in Greeley, Colorado she exchanged vows with her husband Donald Bernhardt with the marriage lasting until his passing in 2021. To this union they welcomed sons, Kerry and Kurt with daughter Darcy completing the family. Together they raised their children on a small farm in the Gill area. Joann was always very active in her children’s lives during school, 4-H, FFA, and livestock shows. 

In pursuit of their farming dreams, the Bernhardt family took and chance and relocated to Champion, Nebraska, in January of 1976. Joann played a key role in establishing their family farm whether it required driving a tractor, flood irrigating or driving a truck during harvest. Later in the 1980’s she helped establish Triple B Commodities, a family trucking company where she took care of the record keeping and dispatching the many trucks where they needed to be. This endeavor continued until her health began to fail in 2018. 

Joann found joy in gardening and keeping an immaculate yard after her and Donnie purchased their home in Imperial in 1989. She was particularly a good cook specializing in German dishes. When Joann served a meal, small portions were never an option. In early years, Joann enjoyed going to Dutch Hop dances and found comradery in the sport of bowling. Yet, her greatest joy came when she became a grandparent and was able to cheer on her grandchildren at their many activities. She also cherished the many trips she was able to take to Ft. Myers Florida to visit her daughter. 

For over two decades, JoAnn embraced her role at the Imperial Inn as a front desk clerk, where she formed lasting connections with guests and took pleasure in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Her positive and joyful attitude always helped uplift the spirits of her coworkers, making her an invaluable team member at the Inn. 

As a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial, Joann found fellowship as well as being a member of the Eagles Auxiliary. Her community involvement reflected her unwavering commitment to helping others and bringing a smile to anyone she came into contact with. 

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Donald; and her brother, Kenneth Williams. 

She is survived by her sons, Kerry and Kurt (Kristi) Bernhardt all of Chase County, NE; her beloved daughter, Darcy Bernhardt (Joseph Mooney) of Fort Myers, Florida; four grandchildren, Preston Bernhardt, Alexa Banks (Jeff), Austin Bernhardt and Ryan Bernhardt, two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Kinsley; and numerous other relatives and friends who will carry forward her legacy of love and kindness. 

Visitation for JoAnn will take place on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. (MT) at Liewer Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. (MT) at Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial, with Pastor Scott Adle officiating. Interment will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Imperial. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the family for a designation to be determined later 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com 

Liewer Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements