Emma K. Bernhardt
Emma Kindsfater Bernhardt was a kind, gentle, warm
and nurturing lady who cared for everyone. Even at 93, her life was
cut short by heart failure.
Emma was born in Laurel, Montana on Nov. 20, 1915 to Jacob and Elizabeth Kindsfater. She grew up on the family farm near Hesper Road. After her mother passed away, she helped raise her younger sisters. Emma only received an 8th grade education but continued to educate herself through her voracious love of reading and keeping up on current events.
Emma married Adolph W. Bernhardt, a life long friend, after he returned from serving in WW II. They were married on June 15, 1946 in Billings. On Easter Sunday in 1957, they completed their move into the home they built with their own hands. Emma continued to live in that home that she cherished, until her death.
Emma and Adolph worked side by side throughout life. They were active in the Democratic Party and worked as Committee Man and Committee Woman, which allowed them to attend the Governor's Ball and meet many political figures. Emma also worked as an election judge. Later in life, they helped form an RSVP band at the Northside Senior Citizens Center called The 5 B's. They traveled throughout the local area playing in retirement homes and entertaining at various other functions. They were very involved members of Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Emma's devout faith in the Lord helped carry her through life.
One of the many accomplishments she was most proud of was getting to model clothes for a local department store.
Emma is survived by her son, Gordon D. Bernhardt and his wife, Jeanine (Billings), her daughter, Beth E. Bernhardt (Billings), grandsons, Eric Bernhardt (Denver), Gregory Bernhardt (Los Angeles), their mother Denise Dallas (Boise), sisters, Lydia Kindsfater, Carol Cook, brother Richard Kindsfater, and brother-in- law Sam Bernhardt. Emma was preceded in death by her husband Adolph, brothers Jake and Henry Kindsfater, sisters Ottilie Shipp and Ann Cook.
Visitation will be at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary on Friday from 4- 8 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mount Olive Lutheran Church with burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Remembrances
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