Berneta Miller, 91

Berneta Agnes (née Lemke) Miller was born to Herman and Amanda (née Schnakenberg) Lemke during harvest in 1931, on a July day so hot that her father would later say you could fry an egg on a bedsheet. Upon returning to the house and learning his mother was in labor, Berneta's brother Alvin unhitched the team and raced back to fetch their dad cutting wheat in the field. She was delivered on the 10th by Dr. Mountford, who Herman would call "pretty young for a doctor" and who would later deliver all four of Bert's children (and, unbeknownst to all at the time, had already delivered her future husband).
The sixth of eight children, Berneta was baptized in Davenport, Nebraska, on July 26, 1931. She grew up on farms between Bruning and Davenport, playing house in corn cribs and wrapping hot bricks in socks to keep warm at night. She attended 1st through 5th grade at the one room schoolhouse outside of Davenport, and 5th through 8th grade at the one room schoolhouse outside of Bruning. She was the only student in her grade. She liked reading and spelling, but not geometry. Growing into a faith that she would cherish her whole life, she was confirmed to God's grace in 1945. Berneta was the first of her family to attend high school, where she played volleyball and softball before graduating from Bruning District 49 in 1949.
Berneta first met her husband, Neil Miller, one Sunday afternoon when, "us girls were riding around town and the bachelor boys were too. We stopped to talk to them." Neil made an impression, as Berneta would later wait at the post office for him to come in, even though her family didn't have a mailbox. Neil asked her to the Labor Day Veteran's dance for their first date. They were married at St. Peter's Church in Davenport on June 20, 1954.
Neil and Berneta moved to the Miller homestead outside of Davenport where they would grow corn, soybeans, livestock and four children: Duane, Peggy, Gary, and Patty. A beloved wife and mother, Berneta was active in the church and the Davenport community, and would speak proudly that she lived in Thayer County all her life. She could be found attending her children and grandchildren's many school and sporting events, and making homemade ice cream for summer celebrations. She delighted in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and would smile to calls of "Grandma Bert!" until her final day.
Berneta passed away in Lincoln on May 26, 2023, surrounded by family and her dear cat, Trudy. She is reunited in Heaven with her husband, Neil; her parents, Herman and Amanda; and her siblings, Albert, Alvin, Otis, Leona, Gerald, and Erma and other cherished family members.
Berneta is survived by one sister, Florence Hines of Fairbury; four children, Duane and Deb Miller of Davenport, Peggy and Steve Russell of Lincoln, Gary and Susan Miller of Davenport, Patty and Jon Anderjaska of Palisade; 12 grandchildren, Erin and Chris Schroeder of Lincoln, Ryan and Whitney Miller of Davenport, Ross and Justine Miller of Elkhorn, Drew and Emily Miller of Davenport, Daniel Russell and Tayler Lord of Lincoln, Courtney Russell of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Eric and Lauren Miller of Mankato, Minnesota, Abby and Wade Walters of Shickley, Betsy and Nik Johanson of Palisade, Will and Haylie Anderjaska of Lincoln, Wes and Ellie Anderjaska of Gothenburg, Ben Anderjaska of Palisade; 23 great grandchildren, Mason, Barrett and Callie Schroeder, Shelby, Dawson, Rhett and Hadley Miller, Leah, Evan and Olivia Miller, Blake, Briar, Cord, Iyla and Nash Miller, Cora and Quinn Walters, Dane and Max Johanson, Sophie, Emmie, Kenzie and Leo Anderjaska; many nieces, nephews, and loved ones. She will be greatly missed by her family and those who were blessed to know her.
Funeral services will be held at Christ's Lutheran Church, Davenport, Nebraska, Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 10:30 am. Rev. Beth Roegner will officiate.
Burial will be in Davenport City Cemetery, Davenport, Nebraska.
Memorials may be given to Christ's Lutheran Church or Davenport Community Foundation.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 31, with family present at Christ's Lutheran Church in Davenport.
Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N. Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 Phone 402-879-3900

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