Bernadine "Bernie" Welk

Bernadine “Bernie” Welk, 92, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away at Avera St. Luke’s on Friday, October 23, 2026. Her daughter, Jodie, and son, Jason, were at her side.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be held for 30 minutes before the service.

A time for refreshments and fellowship will follow the service immediately at Schriver’s Fellowship Hall.

A private interment will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is honored to serve the Welk family. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s Facebook following the service.

Bernie was born on May 6th, 1934, in Hague, ND, to Frank and Rosina (Ternes) Haag. Bernie grew up and attended school in Hague, North Dakota. After high school, she moved to Milwaukee, WI, where she worked and made many friends. She met Larry Welk from Strasburg, ND, while living in Milwaukee. She married Larry, the love of her life, in 1955, and together they began a “wunnerful” chapter of life together in Milwaukee. A few years later, they relocated to Aberdeen, SD.

Bernie dedicated her early years of marriage to homemaking and raising their four children. She enjoyed interior design work and started a successful wallpapering business with her friends for many years. She also enjoyed working in the cosmetology industry at Dakota Beauty Supply.

Bernie was a faithful and devoted member of Sacred Heart, where she sent her children to school. Her involvement went far beyond Sunday mornings. She helped with funeral luncheons, bazaars, and could always be counted on for baking desserts. Her willingness to serve made her a valued member of the parish.

Bernie was a devoted wife for 59 years until Larry’s passing in 2014. She cherished her home and did all of the interior design work. Bernie was always on the go, filled with energy, humor, and kindness. She deeply valued her friendships, often gathering with her bridge club friends, birthday group, neighbors, and coffee friends.

Bernie’s love for her family, especially her grandchildren, was expansive. She beamed with pride at their achievements and cheered them on at events, finding great joy in seeing them thrive. She also adored her dogs, who were loyal companions, especially in her later years.

Bernie had a passion for making her home warm and welcoming. Roast Beef on Sunday afternoon was a normal part of a well-tended home. Every season brought new joy, but Christmas and Thanksgiving held a really special place in her heart. She loved seasonally decorating her historical home and hosting family gatherings filled with laughter, love, and her never-ending cookies, cakes, and desserts. She was always eager to bake, do arts and crafts, and some interior design work for herself or others.

Bernie found great happiness visiting her brothers and sisters in North Dakota. She always looked forward to vacationing at Grand View Lodge for the annual Welk family reunions, where countless cherished memories were made across generations.

The warmth, kindness, and humor that Bernie brought into the lives of those around her will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love and service will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.

Bernie is survived by her sister, Cecilia Meuller of Bismarck, ND; her children: Jason Welk of Aberdeen, SD; Jodie Welk of Aberdeen, and Bonnie Osbakken of Camarillo, CA. Grandchildren: Ben Fischer, Alexandra (Jon) Kahnke, Brittney Welk-Allen, Alysha Osbakken, Drew Osbakken, Andrew Welk, and Lucas Welk; great-grandchildren: Sullivan Fischer, Grace, Logan, Henry, Lydia, Quinn, Rhett, Jed, Max, and Maevy Kahnke.

Bernie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry; her eldest son, Warren; her brother, Joe Haag; her sisters, Florence Dillman, Phyllis Glatt, and Hanna Schaefbauer; and her parents, Frank and Rosina Haag.