Biography Rhoda Iris Bernard, age 90 of Hibbing died Tuesday, June 28, 2011 in the Fairview University Medical Center – Mesabi. She was born July 8, 1920 in Chisholm, the daughter of John and Anna (Solberg) Swanson and was a graduate of Hibbing High School Class of 1938. Rhoda enlisted in the United States Navy on January 25, 1943 and was discharged to the Navy Reserve on January 6, 1946. She served as Storekeeper Disbursing First Class in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Rhoda married Edward J. Bernard on February 12, 1949 in Hibbing. They made their home in Washington and Oregon prior to returning to Hibbing in 1956. She was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Parish, and was a homemaker. She dedicated her life to caring for her family.
Rhoda is survived by children: Dell (MaryAnn) Bernard of Duluth, Joan (Gary) Peterson of Willmar, Peg (Ed Gehlhausen) Bernard of Plano, TX, Diane (Don) Brooks of Keewatin, Carol Bernard of Milwaukee, and Sue (Steve) Mielke of Linwood, MN; grandchildren: Phillip Bernard, Matt (Deena) Peterson, Marie (fiancé Patrick Bourne) Peterson, David and Eileen Gehlhausen, Neil, Dean, and Gloria Brooks, Luc Bernard, and Tyler and Anna Mielke; great-granddaughters: Mona and Margo Peterson; brothers-in-law: Louis Bernard and Thomas Kearney, Jr.; numerous nieces and nephews; and a dear friend: Florence Carpenter.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Edward; sisters: Agnes Ekola, Lillian Smith and Beatrice Lobland; and brother: Robert Swanson.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from 12 Noon until the 1:00 p.m. Funeral Service at the Congregation of the Good Shepherd Church in Keewatin. Pastor Renee Van Dyke will officiate. Interment will be in the Hibbing Park – Maple Hill Cemetery.
Family services provided by Anderson-Daniels, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Hibbing. To share personal condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Facts Born: July 8, 1920
Place of Birth: Chisholm, MN
Death: June 28, 2011
Place of Death: Hibbing, MN 55746
Occupation: Homemaker
Hobbies: Raising and caring for her family