Katharina Dietrich Bernhardt's Obituary
Kathie was born on October 13, 1941 in Birk, Romania. She was the first born child to Andreas and Katharina Lindert. Kathie and her family immigrated to the United States when she was 10 years old and her brother Andy a few years younger. She attended Merion Mercy Academy High School, an all-girls Catholic school, and she had many stories to share about those days with the nuns! The family moved from Philadelphia to Detroit and she met and married her first husband, Michael Dietrich, in July 1961. Kathie and Mike lived in Parma, OH and had two sons, John (Lisa) and Mark Dietrich. The Dietrich’s enjoyed going camping and watching their boys play soccer and baseball. As a family they were involved with the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons at the Sachsenheim Hall where the couple danced and fellowshipped with many friends over the years, while the boys ran around mischievously with the other kids. Kathie was a proud member of this organization for over 50 years.
In their neighborhood on Glamer Dr., Kathie became a member of the Welcome Wagon to greet new families moving into the area. She and two other ladies became officers of the group and when their allotted two-year term was over one of them suggested that they continue to get together one Wednesday a month to play cards. Kathie loved to play cards and their Pinochle club began. This was a favorite past time for her for over 40 years with lifelong relationships with many people. For years the Dietrich’s enjoyed taking a yearly trip to Hessel, MI to vacation with extended family. Many great memories of those trips are still shared amongst those that attended. They were active members of Divinity Lutheran Church where both boys were confirmed and the parents nurtured their children to have faith and trust in the Lord. The Dietrich’s were part of a monthly group that enjoyed weekends camping with family and friends from Divinity. Unfortunately Mike passed in 1978 leaving Kathie to raise John, then 14 and Mark age 11, on her own. These years certainly showed what a strong and determined woman she was. She was lucky to have dedicated and helpful people on both sides of the family to support them along the way.
After being widowed for over 10 years Kathie married Adam Bernhardt in November 1988 and they were together until his passing in 2005. They loved to travel to the Amish country, work in their yard and go gambling. They continued their involvement with their German heritage through membership at German Central where they danced and cooked for special events. At home Kathie spent time gardening, visiting with neighbors and reading. She loved to cook and prepare special dishes for holidays for her family. Kathie worked at Sears for over 30 years and had a wonderful group of friends that she liked to spend time with at work and out on the town.
Kathie has been blessed with 6 grandchildren: Jessica (Patrick), Kimberly, Eric, Kayla, Malina and Noah. Spending time with her family was Kathie’s greatest joy. The older grandchildren were lucky to have had time with Grandma when she was healthy and more physically able. Trips to Parma/Dayton, going shopping, attending the children’s events and lots and lots of holidays have formed precious memories and fond stories that will last a lifetime. Grandma (Oma) enjoyed babysitting the younger grandchildren, shopping for clothes for them and faithfully sitting with Kayla at family gatherings. Family events will not be the same without her humor, joy, laughter and interjection of many past stories.
Many people will miss Kathie as she leaves behind countless friends and dear family. We give special thanks to her dedicated brother and sister-in-law Andy and Gudrun Lindert, who made several trips to see Kathie in her last days. In addition to her immediate family she leave behind nephews Ron (Sandy), Rob (Debbie); nieces Lisa (Brian) and Sandy (Bill) and 8 great nieces/nephews. Kathie touched the hearts of many staff and residents at Greenbrier Assisted Living who became like family during her years there. We extend our thanks to all who have expressed sympathy to us and we are grateful that you all enriched Mom’s life through your love and care.
Visitation will take place on Friday July 31, 2015 at the Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday August 1, 2015, 10:00am, at the Sunset Chapel. Interment will immediately follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Donations in Kathie’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or to Divinity Lutheran Church, 11877 Blossom Ave, Parma Heights, OH 44130.
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