Bernadette “Bernie” Drueke, 83, of West Point, died Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Colonial Haven in Beemer.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30am on Tuesday, September 10 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point with Rev. James Weeder as celebrant.  Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the Nielsen Center.  Visitation will be Monday from 12:00pm to 7:00pm with a Christian Mothers and Catholic Daughters Rosary at 1:30pm and a Vigil Service at 7:00pm at Stokely Funeral Home in West Point.  Visitation will continue at 9:30am on Tuesday on church.  Memorials may be made to GACC Endowments.  Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

Bernadette Marie Drueke was born on February 12, 1941, to Thomas and Victoria (Filipowicz) Kosuth in Omaha. Growing up in Omaha with her sisters, Bernie developed a passion for sports, especially softball, which she enjoyed playing with them. She attended Notre Dame Academy for high school before pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Education and Biology from the College of St. Mary. She furthered her education by earning a Master’s degree in Education from Creighton University.

Bernie’s life changed when she met her soulmate, Henry Drueke, during a night of dancing. They married on October 10, 1970, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Omaha, beginning a beautiful partnership that would last for over five decades. After their move to West Point, Bernie worked for a decade as a guidance counselor at Central Catholic High School before transitioning to full-time work on their family farm. Bernie affectionately referred to her Master’s degree as standing for “Milker’s Assistant” in her new role as a farmer’s wife.

Following the sale of their dairy cows in 1999, Bernie embraced her love for education once again, serving as a substitute teacher at Guardian Angels Grade School and Central Catholic High School in West Point. Her heart was particularly drawn to the younger students at Guardian Angels, where her warmth and enthusiasm for teaching shone brightest.

A woman of deep faith, Bernie was actively involved in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point, where she sang in the choir and served as a lector for over 30 years. She was also a leader in the Ladies Guild, serving as both president and vice president, and was a proud member of the West Point Dairy Women. Her dedication to the community was further exemplified through her work on the St. Joseph’s Elder Services Foundation Board in West Point.  In 2022, Bernie was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the College of St. Mary, recognizing her lifelong commitment to education, service, and leadership.

Bernie found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved bowling and golfing, gardening, cooking, and baking. Friday nights were reserved for their weekly card game with their best friends.  Her home was always a reflection of her love for the seasons, especially during the fall with her pumpkin patch and when she decorated for Christmas—her favorite time of year. She loved to entertain her ‘city’ family on the farm and to this day, Thanksgiving on the farm is still an annual Kosuth family tradition.

Survivors include her husband, Henry; daughter, Mary Fran (Rusty) Collins of West Point; grandchildren, Dustin (Janelle) Collins, Nathan Collins and Kara (Lincoln) Hager; great grandchildren, Cameron and Boone Hager; and many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Theresa Bednarz, Toni Vana, Renie Wattonville, Sr. Mary Thomas, and Dorothy Lincoln; brother, Tom; and her parents-in-law.