Bernadine B. Kuester, 93, of Owatonna, formerly of Watertown, South Dakota died Sunday, May 18, 2014 at Sterling House in Owatonna, MN. Bernie was born the oldest of five children on May 1, 1921 in Codington County near Watertown, South Dakota the daughter of Enoch and Barbara (Schmit) Leemhuis. She attended high school in Hamlin County near Castlewood. She then attended college in Madison, South Dakota where she received her teaching certificate. Bernie taught in rural schools in Codington and Hamlin County for a couple of years and then worked as a bookkeeper and cashier for JC Penney. She retired from the Watertown Public School System as head baker. Bernie was united in marriage to Henry Kuester on August 9, 1949 in Mobridge, South Dakota. In 1955, the couple moved back to Watertown. Henry died in 1981. In 1986 Bernie moved to Owatonna. She was an avid reader and enjoyed baking for her family. She also enjoyed making quilts and crafts for gifts and sale at Central Park Farmer''s Market in Owatonna. She volunteered at Senior Place, the Hospital Auxiliary, quilting at St. Joseph''s and Healthy Seniors. Along with making quilts, Bernie also sewed, crocheted and painted. She is survived by three sons, Corrie (Dee) Kuester of Minneapolis; Steven (Ione) Kuester of Owatonna; Kevin (Kim) Kuester of LaCrosse, WI; a daughter, Janel (Mike) Sloan of La Crescent; 8 grandchildren, Paul (Milica) Kuester; Jamie Kuester; Katrina (Craig) Kinneberg; Jennifer Kuester; Jessica Kuester; Kristena (Charles) Arnold; Angie Sloan, Matthew Sloan; three great grandchildren, John Kuester; Callen Kinneberg; and Alivia Arnold. Bernie is also survived by a sister, Maxine Johnson in Oregon. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry Kuester (1981); her parents; her siblings, Edward Leemhuis; Christina Johnson; and Patricia DeVille. Visitation will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Thursday, May 22, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with The Reverend Edward McGrath officiating. Interment will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Watertown, SD. on Friday, May 23, 2014 at 1:00 PM. Memorials preferred to donor''s choice. On behalf of Bernie''s family, they would like to extend a thank you to the entire staff at Sterling House for their kindness, wonderful care and compassion for their mother Bernadine. Arrangements by Michaelson Funeral Home. Visitation: 05/18/2014 10:00 05/18/2014 11:00 Service: 05/22/2014 11:00