Bernadine L. "Bernie" Wilkinson, age 101, of Eldora, Iowa, formerly of Webster City, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at the Hubbard Care Center in Hubbard, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Bernie was born on June 16, 1912 in Ft. Dodge, Iowa to her parents Lawrence and Lillian (Lister) Griffith. She was raised in Goldfield, Iowa and graduated from Goldfield High School in the Class of 1933. She was united in marriage to Francis Dickerson. They made their home in Webster City and together they welcomed their daughter Marlene into their family.
Bernie worked as a waitress at the Gold Room in Webster City for many years. Francis passed away in 1959, and Bernie was remarried to Linden Wilkinson on October 6, 1975. They also resided in Webster City. Bernie lived in Eldora for the last 10 years of her life.
Bernie was a member of the Grace Methodist Church in Webster City. She enjoyed gardening and going out and enjoying meals with her friends. She liked making peanut brittle for friends at Christmas time and was known for spring rhubarb jam. Bernie was very proud to have lived for over 100 years and her true joy in life came from spending time with friends and family.
Bernie is survived by her daughter Marlene Dickerson of Eldora; grandchildren Leanne (Joe) Sundine, Kimberly (Andy) Balvanz, Julie (Amy) Hilpipre and Curt (Becky) Hilpipre; 8 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; brother Lawrence Griffith, Jr. and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Francis Dickerson and Linden Wilkinson; 3 sisters and 2 brothers.