Bernadette Magner

Bernadette Agnes (Courtney) Magner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 8th, 2024- she was 93 years old. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be in St. Bridget Cemetery near Bluffton, IA. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E. Water St in Decorah and after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Wednesday morning. There will be a rosary at 3:30 p.m. before the visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday. Born to Terrence and Mabel Courtney on March 26th, 1930, in Bluffton, IA; she was one of six children. On May 26th, 1953, Bernadette married the love of her life, John Magner. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter and had seven children: Judy Magner, Joyce (Dennis) Maulson, John Magner, Jeff (Theresa) Magner, Jerry (Sherie) Magner, Joe (Amy) Magner, and Jean (Tom) Vogel. Bernadette's legacy includes nine grandchildren: Tanya (Jason) Sbiral, Tammy Maulson, Trisha Maulson, Tess (Max) Kuenstling, Andrew (Shefali) Magner, Courtney Magner, Michael Magner, Katie Magner, and Sophia Vogel; and 8 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy and pride. Bernadette was a lasting example of love and kindness. She had a passion for cooking and was happiest feeding a house full of people. Beyond her culinary talents, Bernadette was a pillar of strength and support for her family and friends. She was always ready and willing to pick up the phone and offer a listening ear. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Bernadette will be deeply missed but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. We all find comfort in knowing that she was reunited with the love of her life John Magner and all who preceded her in death. May she rest in peace surrounded by the love and compassion she brought into the world. Bernadette was preceded in death by her husband- John V. Magner, her parents- Terrance and Mabel Courtney, in-laws John and Elizabeth Magner, her brothers and sisters- Ann (Bill) McKenna, Paul (Mary) Courtney, Parnell Courtney, Peter (Ila) Courtney, and Mary Donovan. She is survived by all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Pat Donovan, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to support masses to be said in Bernadette's honor. Her life was a testament to love, generosity, and warmth- she will be dearly missed.