Memorial Services for Bernadine M. “Bernie” Harris will be conducted from the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Darrel Wissmann officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege prior to the services.

Bernie Harris, 86 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Christian Home Care Community in Holdrege. She was born January 1, 1926 at McCook, Nebraska, the third of five children born to John S. and Lenora A. (Hesterwerth) Wilcox. Bernie received her education in McCook, graduating from McCook High School.

On September 11, 1943 she was united in marriage to Edward D. Harris and to this union three sons were born: Robert E., Donald D. and James J. Harris. Bernie was employed for over 20 years as a legal secretary for Aten, Noble and Ide Attorneys in Holdrege. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her hobbies included: sewing for family and friends, knitting, playing cards and was an avid reader. Bernie and Ed enjoyed spending winters traveling for several years.

Bernie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ed, on April 12, 2011; two sons: Robert E. and Donald D. Harris; one brother, Irvin Wilcox and his wife, Lois and a brother-in-law, James E. Terwilliger; and a sister-in-law, Violet Harris. She is survived by one son, James J. Harris of Blue Hill, Nebraska; daughters-in-law: Betty Jo Harris of Austin, Texas and Rogene Harris of Holdrege; grandchildren: Brenda Gray and her husband, Dale of Holdrege, Jani Thorell and her husband, Brice of Holdrege, Robert E. “Skip” Harris and his wife, Jennifer of Plano, Texas, Ami Savrick of Austin, Texas, Kip Harris and his wife, Katie of Austin, Scott E. Harris and his wife, Missy of San Clemente, California; twelve great-grandchildren; three sisters: Irene Hamilton and her husband, Dean of Rockford, Illinois, Jean Terwilliger of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Joan Peterson of Hastings, Nebraska; brother-in-law, James M. Harris of McCook; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation; the family is honoring her wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in her memory and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.