Bernadine B.

Kuhn

Bernadine Betty (Lang) Kuhn passed away on Monday, November 10, 2026, at the age of 83, at Cedar Lodge in Owatonna.

Bernie was a devoted Christian wife and mother, and her life was framed always by family and faith. Bernie was born on January 21, 1943, to parents Ted and Louise (Gums) Lang in Napoleon, ND, the second of seven children. She attended Country School and graduated in 1961 from Napoleon High School. Bernie attained her teaching certificate/undergraduate degree from Valley City State University in 1966. On October 15, 1965, she wed Roger Kuhn and they shared 61 years of marriage, welcoming daughter, Brenda in 1966, and son, John in 1972. Bernie taught first grade and was a substitute teacher in Owatonna. She was a dental assistant as well before joining R&K Electric (formerly Rietveld and Kuhn Electric) as an accountant. Bernie devotedly cared for Brenda and John and managed their home.

Bernie spoke frequently of her early memories of Gluckstal Church on the North Dakota prairie. She was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran since their arrival in Owatonna in 1971, taught Sunday school and served on Altar Guild.

Her early years on the family farm were influenced by her Germans from Russia heritage, learning the food traditions of turn of the century settlers to North Dakota. Bernie was well known for her Kuchen, a sweet or savory custard pastry that would grace the table at significant family celebrations. She loved to decorate for these events, all holidays and the seasons by adding sparkle and making sure they were special. Bernie retained close relationships with her siblings throughout her life, and whenever they would gather, there was laughter and reminiscing and pinochle! Games were a common thread through the generations; The Price is Right was a favorite, and Bernie got to attend a live show in California. She played bridge with friends. Later in life, Bernie studied family genealogy, contributed to Germans from Russia cookbooks and cooking videos, and even traveled to Odessa, Ukraine to learn more family cultural history.

In their retirement, Bernie and Roger travelled extensively in the south, wintering for many months at Lake Havasu in Arizona, and spending more time in temperate months at their lake home on Pokegama Lake in Grand Rapids, MN. She served 10 years in the photography department at the SCFF and was active in Women's Club.

Bernie is survived by her beloved husband, Roger; daughter, Brenda (and Bob) DeNio of Victoria, MN; daughter-in-law, Kerri Kuhn of Owatonna; grandchildren, Emily DeNio, Ben DeNio, Harrison (and Maggie) Kuhn, Miles Kuhn, and Otto Kuhn; siblings, Dora (and Bill) Roth, Wally (and Sue) Lang, Erica Wangler, and Arlyn Lang; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her infant brother, Wesley; parents, Ted and Louise Lang; brother and sister-in-law, Myrle and Genie Lang; brother-in-law, Al Wangler; sister-in-law, Bert Hovdestad; and son, John.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service. Interment will be at St. John Cemetery.