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Bernita ‘Bert’ Cebulla Obituary – 8/2/2014


Bernita (Bert) Genevieve Cebulla, age 98, of Watertown, passed away Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, at her residence, Westwood Assisted Living in Watertown.

Bert was born to John and Mary Hilbert in Minneapolis, but because of her parents’ ill health, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Art and Catherine Lattimer.

In her young years, she lived in South Dakota. Later, the family moved to Watertown, where she graduated from high school and met Tom Cebulla.

 Bernita and Tom were married Oct. 25, 1939, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Watertown. They lived and farmed in the Montrose area for 70 years.

Bernita and Tom raised two sons, Jim and Tom, as well as providing homes to numerous nieces and nephews, as well as Bert’s father, Uncle Art.

When Tom passed away in 2007, Bert stayed on the farm for a year, and then moved into Westwood Assisted Living in October 2008.

 A faithful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Bernita was a typical farm wife, helping out in the barns and field, keeping a huge garden, and preserving food for the family. She was well-known as a wonderful cook, worked in many of the local cafés, and was a favorite hostess for the threshing crews. 

Her freezer and pantry were always full of many great homemade treats (and if you were smart, you scheduled your visit for Monday, which was the day she made fresh donuts). Anyone stopping by at meal or coffee time was invited to share the ‘’scraps’’ with them. 

 Bert liked to be busy and remain active. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s of Czestochowa for 70 years, serving her parish in many roles, as well as serving on the local school board, charity organizations, and 4-H. 

Once they sold their dairy cows, she and Tom were able to do some traveling across the US, and spend more time fishing, playing cards, and just enjoying their friends and family.

Bernita is survived by sons Jim (Eldora), and Tom (Cheri); eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. 

In addition to her husband, Tom, she was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws; and seven siblings. 

Bert’s good sense of humor and warm hospitality will be missed by many.

Mass of Christian Burial took place Saturday, Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Delano, with visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Arrangements were by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.

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