Bernadine Oltman, 85, of Chenoa passed away at 7:25 pm Sunday, July 1, 2012 at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Chenoa.

Funeral services will be 11 am, Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Chenoa with Pastor Edward Hudelson officiating. Burial will follow in Chenoa Cemetery, Chenoa. Visitation will be 9 to 11 am, prior to the service also at the church in Chenoa on Thursday. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bernadine was born April 6, 1927 in Yates Township school land, IL the daughter of Carl and Marie (Pils) Gerbracht. She married Charles Oltman on March 17, 1945 in Chenoa. He survives in Chenoa. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Other survivors include three sons, Larry Oltman, Dale (Betty) Oltman, Steven (Georgia) Oltman all of Chenoa; one sister, Elverta Taylor of Chenoa; four dearly loved grandchildren, Teri (Mark) Mason, Kathy (Jeff) Weber, Jim (fiancée Val Kovalsky) Oltman, Dan Oltman, five precious great-grandchildren, Chelsie Weber and Sydney Mason both of Chenoa; Riley Weber, Reid Weber and Steele Weber all of Wentzville, MO; and many loved nieces and nephews.


Bernadine was born and raised on her parents' farm south of Chenoa. She was confirmed into St. Paul's Lutheran Church, located south of Chenoa and remained close friends with fellow confirmants for the rest of her life. She attended her local rural school unit until she entered high school when she boarded in town during the week and went home on the weekends.
She met her husband through her friendship with his sisters and they married on March 17, 1945 in Chenoa. She and Chuck spent their lives farming. Shortly after their marriage they moved to the home place north of Chenoa where they remained until 1976 when they moved to town. During their years on the farm she raised three boys, was a Sunday school superintendent and was active in the church, Livingston County Home Extension and Livingston County Fair. She worked at Johnson Press, Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community as a cook and did food demonstrations at area grocery stores.

Bernadine loved her family, cooking, gardening and creating a beautiful and welcoming home where family and friends were always welcome. Following Chuck and Bernadine's move off the farm they lived in Pontiac and Chenoa before moving into a duplex at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community. She and Chuck were very happy there. Bernadine especially enjoyed helping out at the Community Center, going on day trips and visiting with old friends. Bernadine will be missed by the many close friends she leaves behind, but most of all by her family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Chenoa or charity of donor's choice.