Yirkovsky, Bernadette T.

Bernadette T. Yirkovsky, 78, of 309 12th St., Marion, died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at her home after a long illness. Services: 1 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids. Entombment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday.

Survivors include eight children, Sharon (David) Merwin of Marion, Joseph (Connie) of Schleswig, Sandra Wyatt of Marion, Donald (Linda) of Swisher, Bonnie (Lyle) Himes of Marion, Roger (Tammy), Jeffrey and William (Lisa), all of Marion; three brothers, Charles Steffes of Marion, and Raymond and Clem Steffes, both of Minnesota; two sisters, Annie Jensen of Cedar Rapids and Gertrude Johnson of Minnesota; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a brother, Andy; and a sister, Margie.

Bernadette was born April 23, 1931, in Fort Atkinson, the daughter of Clem and Anna Kipp Steffes. She married James “Bud” Yirkovsky on Aug. 20, 1947, in La Crosse, Wis. He died in 1993. Bernadette worked at Collins Radio and retired from there after many years of service. She enjoyed playing bingo, crocheting, going to the casinos, canning and especially time spent with her beloved family.

A memorial fund has been established in Bernadette's name.

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