Bernadine (Bernie) Margaret Gerner Potts

Bernadine Margaret Potts October 23, 1937 – August 17, 2013 Bernadine Margaret Potts was born October 23, 1937 in St. Paul, MN to Ben and Irene Gerner, the middle child of three. After attending St. James grade school, she graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in St. Paul. Shortly after high school she met Richard Potts, and after a two year love affair they were married at St. James Catholic Church in 1958. Not long after, they were blessed with their first daughter, Jeanne, in August, 1959. They built their first house in White Bear Lake where Jackie was born in 1962 and Michael in 1965. Bernie devoted herself to raising three children, surrounding them with her love and her time while still finding time to volunteer at her children’s schools. For years, she partnered with her husband Dick to chair the annual Hill-Murray Fall Festival fundraising dinner. Once her children were out of school, Bernie returned to the workforce, initially working as an office assistant for a local homebuilder and then becoming a paralegal at two different law firms. In 1985, Bernie’s first grandchild, Jennifer, was born to Jeanne and Tom Mork. Two more grandchildren, Michael Potts II and Christine Mork joined the family in 1988, followed by Margaret Potts in 1999 and Maddox Potts in 2012. Dick and Bernie adored their grandchildren and rarely missed attending sporting events, dance recitals, birthday parties, graduations, and any other important event in their grandchildren’s lives. They created lifetime memories with Memorial Day weekends at Boyd Lodge in Crosslake, trips to Chicago and Duluth, and one-on-one time with each of them. Lasting family memories are of vacations in Arizona, and more recently, Alaskan and New England cruises. Bernie and Dick also enjoyed many trips together throughout the country, but the southern charm of Charleston, SC and New Orleans, LA were always Bernie’s favorites. She recorded their many travels with a giant map in their basement. Despite worsening health issues and constant pain, Bernie always put the needs of her family above her own. Never complaining despite her discomfort, she chose to focus on her family and enveloped them with her love, attention, and prayer. She lived her life for the ones she loved.