Bernadine Opal Wachholtz, 94, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

Bernadine was born September 7, 1918, at Pender, NE to William H. and Leoma Moore Gilster. She grew up in Plainview, NE where she attended school.

On May 7, 1938, Bernadine married Edwin Otto Wachholtz at Julesburg, CO. They made their home in Plainview before moving to Neiligh, NE and then North Platte in 1942. She was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, B.P.O. Does Drove #109 and the Social Order of Beauceants.

Bernadine loved baking cinnamon rolls and breads, cooking and flowers. She also enjoyed dancing, playing cards and Nebraska football. Bernadine loved little children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 74 years, Ed, of North Platte; two sons, Larry (Vicki) Wachholtz, of North Platte and Ken (Judy) Wachholtz, of Palm Desert, CA; two daughters, LaJean (Val) Long, of Sioux City, IA and Linda (Steven) Campbell, of San Diego, CA; 10 grandchildren, Bruce, Tracy, Kena Jo, Sherry, Kyle, Chris, Chad, Wendy, Tesha and Justin; 19 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other family.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Harlan, and infants, Ricky and Rocky Wachholtz; a grandson, Tim; her parents, William and Leoma Gilster; and three brothers, Glade, Gordon “Hop” and Donald Gilster.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2013, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Frank Fitch III officiating. Burial will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore. The casket will not be open at the church. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials may be made to the North Platte Shriner’s Transportation Fund. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.