Bernadine Preabt

Bernadine Preabt, Bismarck, passed from this life on Monday, April 3, 2023.  She died peacefully where she most wanted to be, at home, with her husband Terry and beloved cat, Sassy at her side.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 3, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

Bernadine Clara Dschaak was born on July 20, 1957, in Hazen, ND.  Her parents, Fred and Clara Dschaaak, resided in Zap, ND, where Bernadine was raised and educated, along with her three brothers: Leo, Ben, and Jim. Bernadine married Terry Preabt on May 1, 1976, in Zap. They had two sons, Ryan and Aaron.

Bernadine was employed as a clerk at LaBelle’s Department Store, as an administrative assistant for the North Dakota Hospital Association, and at Bismarck Secretarial Service. But most important to her were her children and grandchildren, keeping her house clean and comfortable, and making sure there was always plentiful good food on the table. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren, and just the mention of them brought a huge smile to her face.

Bernadine loved flowers and gardening, and she and Terry maintained a beautiful yard. The place she enjoyed traveling to more than anywhere else was the Black Hills of South Dakota where she could enjoy the beautiful scenery and have fun vacationing with family.

In addition to being a loving wife, mother and grandmother, Bernadine had a huge heart for animals. Many pets were fortunate to share their lives with her. She rescued many injured and abandoned animals, whether they were cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, squirrels and who knows what others. Terry said of Bernadine that “she was such an animal lover that she would have had an elephant if she thought she could get it through the door.”  French poet Anatole France said, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”  Bernadine had a very gentle soul, a very open and compassionate soul.

Bernadine is survived by her husband Terry; son, Ryan, Bismarck; son, Aaron (Kim), Bismarck; stepdaughter, Leyla Dwelle, Mandan; grandchildren, Xavier, Dylan, Mia, and Wesley; brothers, Leo, Beulah; Ben, Zap; and Jim (Beryl), Craig, CO; sister-in-law, Darlyn (Jerry) Kunz, Bismarck; sister-in-law, Shirley Preabt, Bismarck, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Clara Dschaak; parents-in-law, Harley and Dorothy Preabt; sister-in-law, Carmen Dschaak; and brother-in-law Monte Preabt and one niece.