Bernadine Rita Swalstad - "Nephew" Baumann

Bernadine’s Years in the Church Militant

Bernadine Rita Nephew started her life’s journey that we are celebrating today on January 31st, 1924 with that journey ending June 18, 2019 at the age of 95.  She was born to David James Nephew and Loretta Susanna Voodre-Nephew in Detroit Michigan.  Bernadine married Clayton Randolph Pershing Swalstad in January 1943. Upon his death in 1965, Bernadine later married Frank Baumann Sr.  She is survived by 9 children, Cheryl (daughter) Bohlman, St Paul, MN, David (son) & Jean Swalstad, Worland, WY, Suzanna(daughter) & Francis Styren, Watford, ND, Kathleen (daughter) & Tom Alford, Laurel, MT, Mary (daughter) Kellan, Laurel, MT, Debra (daughter) & Richard Morris, Abbeville, SC, Vickie (daughter) & Kerry Wanke, Granite Falls, MN, Clayton (son) & DeEtte Swalstad, Abbeville, SC, Frankie (son) & Joyce Baumann, Houston, TX., and 102 Grandchildren.

Bernadine at this time had earned an honorary Doctorate Degree in Domestic Engineering, by raising and praying for 11 children without the help of Xbox, iPhones, or Peppa Pig.  During her life’s journey, Bernadine was an active member in the Eastern Star, and the ladies’ group of the Congregational Church, Catholic Auxiliary, and most recently a member of First Baptist Church in Abbeville.  Bernadine never missed a chance to gather family to join in fellowship and eat her amazing Italian spaghetti.

In July of 1994, she moved in with Rick & Deb Morris and lived with Rick and Deb in Mary Ester, FL and Nashville, IL.  In May 2015, Rick, Deb, and Bernadine moved to Abbeville to be near family.

Over the years, Bernadine was an amazing aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, a shoe store clerk, an assembly line worker, a baker in several grocery stores, catering from her home, school cook, ceramic artist, an amazing bowler, strong witness for Jesus, prayer warrior,  oh and an awesome mom and mother-in-law that loved and prayed her family through all of the good and all of the bad times.

Bernadine’s now in the Church Triumphant

Bernadine lived her life as a Christian warrior, through her personal life testimony and with a fervent love for our Savior Jesus Christ.

Now Bernadine has joined all her loved ones that have preceded her in death.  Husbands, Clayton Swalstad Sr. and Frank Baumann, Sr.; children, Bruce (stepson) Baumann, Kris (daughter) Lalim-Holwerda, Granddaughter, LeeAnn Swalstad, Great Granddaughter, Callie Chrisman, Granddaughter, Suzette Huff, Grandson, Todd Bohlman, and Great Grandson, Brandon Harris.

Bernadine was a lifetime servant of our lord Jesus Christ and an awe-inspiring bride, mom, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, friend, and Christian warrior.

If you think you can no longer talk to Bernadine, or mom, or grandma, or your friend and are not aware, the Church Triumphant does have an email address for all the saints that reside there.  Good news is you don’t need an iPhone, iPad, Galaxy, lap top, or a PC, just take a few minutes to reflect on your loving memories with her and always remember her new address is Bernadine@homewithmylord.god

A Celebration of Bernadine’s life will be 1:00pm, Thursday, June 20, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Abbeville with Pastor Daniel Royster officiating.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Swalstad - Baumann family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernadine Rita (Nephew) Swalstad - Baumann, please visit our floral store.