A Funeral Mass for Esther Bernt, age 87, of Spalding, Nebraska will be 11:00 am Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at St Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding with burial in the St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10 to 11 am on Wednesday December 5, 2018 at St. Michael's Catholic Church with a 10:30 am Parish Rosary.  Esther passed away on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill with her family by her side.  Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.  Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.  Visit biglinsmortuary.com for more information.

Esther worked as a waitress in Kearney for a short time.  One of the highlights in her short waitressing career was meeting famous actor, Chill Will.  She returned to Greeley, NE and met her lifetime friend and husband Pat Bernt.

The couple were married and started their life together.  Their vows that day rang true through their 50 years together.

After Pat's death in 2001.  Esther spent the remaining 17 years of her life in honor of her family and taking care of her home.  Esther's family knew that every Sunday dinner would be her famous pan -fried chicken.  Friends that had the opportunity to experience this still talk about the delicious chicken she made.

She enjoyed planning holiday meals knowing the family would be back to visit.  She truly cherished her time spent with her family in her home.  Her dedication to her family and her home continued until the very end.  Even with her illness, the last few days were spent sitting in front of her home on a sunny day watching the cows come in for water.  A family member working around the farm meant everything to her.  She fulfilled her obligations as a wife, mother, and homemaker with a gold rating.  Through her example, she left knowledge to her family how life should be.

Esther is survived by her five children, Mike (Sandy) Bernt of Columbus, James (Karen) Bernt of Greeley, Robert (Kristine) Bernt of Spalding, Patricia (Wayne) McManus of Texas, Kevin (Lori) Bernt of Boelus; 24 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one sister, Joyce (Mick) Costello of Greeley; many nieces and nephews.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Patrick Bernt in 2001; one son, Dan Bernt in 1973; and six brothers and sisters, Ivan Fisher, Orval Fisher, Betty Johnson, Bill Fisher, Gene Fisher, Boyd Fisher.