Bernita L. Hanel

March 24, 1933 - March 10, 2015

Bernita Leone Hanel was born on March 24, 1933 in Atkinson, Nebraska as the sixth of ten children of Howard Wilcox and Alta Browning. She died on March 10, 2015 in West Point, Nebraska. On June 10, 1953 in Columbus, Nebraska at the age of 20 she married Joseph Lamar Hanel, son of James and Julia (Holoubek) Hanel. For many years Bernita was a stay at home mom who raised five children and enjoyed raising mums. She later returned to the workforce as a nurse's aide. In her retirement, she enjoyed volunteering and visiting with friends. Bernita was a member of the Third Order of Carmelite. She enjoyed many crafts but was especially talented in crocheting, rosary making and needlepoint. Bernita was a faithful Catholic and during her final years spent her time praying rosaries for her family. In retirement she enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Prior to her passing, Bernita was a resident of Parkview Nursing Care where she continued her love of visiting with people, praying and especially enjoyed the 3 pm coffee and cookies. Survivors include four children and their father: Ramonyca (Edward) Brown of Boynton Beach, Florida; Janet (Craig) Breitkreutz of Columbus, Nebraska; Judy (Bill) Weston of Juniata, Nebraska; David (Iva) Hanel of Clarkson, Nebraska; and Margaret (Leonard) Smith of Howells, Nebraska; and Joseph Hanel of Howells, Nebraska; Siblings Dwain Wilcox, Marvis (Mary Ann) Wilcox, and Marcia (Dale) Keck. And numerous grand and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel; her parents and siblings: Golden, Mike, Arlan, Gene, Buddy, Richard, and Jim and grandson Charlie Hiller.