Magdalena "Maggie" Bernhardt, 92, Bismarck, formerly of Linton, ND, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, February 2, 2018 at CHI St. Alexius, Bismarck, ND.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Linton, ND, with Father David Zimmer officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m. Tuesday at Myers Funeral Home, Linton and continue from 6-9 p.m. at the church with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

Maggie was born August 23, 1925 south of Napoleon, ND on the Piatz family farm, the daughter of Jacob and Marianna (Schumacher) Piatz. After the sudden death of Maggie's mother, when Maggie was just two years old, her father Jacob then married Magdalena Schumacher. Together they raised Maggie and her other siblings. Maggie attended country school and proudly graduated from the 8 ^th grade. Her father was very proud of this accomplishment in Maggie's life. She was a huge help in raising her younger siblings and eventually became a nanny for other farm families in the area.

Maggie married the love of her life, Sebastian Bernhardt on June 2, 1947 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, rural Napoleon. Following their marriage, they moved to their new farm near the Temvik area, where they were blessed with 10 children while bringing in 43 harvests together. Maggie was proud of all that she and Sebastian had built, from the simple farm house to the perfectly painted farm buildings and corrals, Maggie took ownership in making sure the farm was always well kept. Her abundantly filled apple trees, lush lawn, and colorful flower gardens brought her great joy as she had a passion for spending many hours gardening. Her pantry was lined with endless jars from what she harvested out of her garden. Maggie enjoyed preparing baked goods for her family, especially during the holidays. Known for her exceptional cooking and baking skills, Maggie loved sharing a meal with family and friends. Her home was often filled with the sweet smell of apple crisp, fresh baked buns, or the family famous Bernhardt Bars.

Maggie's strong faith was demonstrated through her devotion to the rosary and her love for attending Mass. She was an active parishioner at St. Michael's Catholic Church, where she attended Mass with her family for over 40 years. Upon retirement Maggie later became a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. She also served many years as a Christian Mother. Throughout her life, Maggie developed a passion for needlework, often sewing dresses for her daughters so they could always look their Sunday best. She was also able to share her sewing talents with many young girls in the neighborhood as a 4H leader for more than 15 years. She sewed, crocheted, embroidered, and quilted various treasures, gifting them to her children and grandchildren for special occasions or accomplishments. Her embroidered dish towels are now precious gifts, having special meaning to her family members. Maggie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was loved and cherished by all who knew her and she will be truly missed.

Maggie is survived by five daughters and sons-in-law: Kathleen and Victor Weigel, Fargo, ND, Diane and Duane Frank, Shields, ND, Donna and James Wald, Fergus Falls, MN, Norleen and Wayne Schafer, Flasher, ND and Mary and Glenn Jacobson, Finley, ND; five sons and daughters-in-law: David and Sarah Bernhardt, Wishek, ND, Daniel and Brenda Bernhardt, Valley City, ND, Thomas and Tamie Bernhardt, Linton, ND, Ronald and Jamie Bernhardt, Bismarck, ND, and Michael and Julie Bernhardt, Bismarck, ND; 34 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Willie and Tillie Piatz, and Andy and Lorraine Piatz, all of Napoleon; three sisters and one brother-in-law: Julia Horner, Irene Horner, Rose Horner, all of Napoleon, and Christ J. Leier, Napoleon

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Sebastian of 68 years; her parents, Marianna (Schumacher) Piatz, Jacob Piatz, and Magdalena (Schumacher) Piatz; her grandchildren, Tracy Weigel, Joshua Bernhardt, Levi Bernhardt and Darron Frank; her brothers, Anton, Mike and James; her sisters, Mary Brendel, Tillie Leier and Carolyn Dinius.