Louise F. Berndsen
Berndsen, Louise F., 85, retired labor and delivery nurse and long time volunteer for Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2009. Rosary 7:00 P.M., Monday, August 3 and Funeral Mass, 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 4, both at All Saints Catholic Church. Preceded in death by husband, Martin, parents, Henry and Anna Ricken, siblings, Betty Anne Ricken, Andrew Ricken, Edwin Ricken, Frieda Koenigs (Ollie), Vincent Ricken and grandsons, Shawn and Aaron Berndsen. Survivors: children, Steve Berndsen (Zita) of Topeka, KS, Mark Berndsen (Kirsten) of Mesa, AZ, Sharon Allen (Steve) of Wichita, Rebecca Hart (David) of Cheyenne, WY and Anne Stroupe (Eddie) of Ripley, MS; sister, Grace Doss (Joe) of Wichita; brother, Willie Ricken (Dolores) of Garden Plain, KS; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with Dear Neighbors Ministries, c/o Sisters of Saint Joseph, 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, 67218. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
Rosary 7:00 P.M., Monday, August 3 at All Saints Catholic Church.
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This is from Frieda’s grandson Adam. I live too far away to have made the service but I did want all of you to know how special Aunt Louise was to me. We always had a great time with Grandma’s family when we visited Garden Plain and Goddard, and I especially appreciated Aunt Louise taking an interest in my life as I grew up. The most important thing I want you all to know is how great Aunt Louise was to my mother, Nancy, all through the years of Grandma’s health issues. My mom will carry more burden than she should at times, and Aunt Louise really helped her often and in very significant ways both emotionally and practically with Grandma. Aunt Louise will be missed very much by my family. I wish you all peace as you deal with the loss of your mother.
Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss and am thinking about you daily. I cannot come to the rosary or mass as I had two back surgeries in two weeks this past month(!) and am not able to sit or stand for very long yet. Linda has been keeping us abreast of everything. I look forward to seeing you on Aug.22 when the Lunch Bunch celebrates our August Birthdays. Please come join us for our yearly 3 hour gab catching up and eating fest. I am turning 60 and we will celebrate royally!! Thoughts and prayers to the whole family from all of my family during this time of mourning and rejoycing.
Hi! I worked with Louise many years ago as a new RN in charge of new moms and probably didn’t have a clue what I was doing, but Louise came to my rescue with her genuine loving support and became an instant friend. As I saw her through the following years, both as an employee and a retiree, she always greeted me with a great big smile and often a hug. I don’t think she ever knew a stranger. I will miss her as so many who ever came to know her will do the same. Bless all of you who have lost her here, but I know that her loving memory will remain within your hearts. She was a very special person and I am so glad to have known her.
Dearest Berndsen Family, My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all at this time. I worked at St. Joseph for 40 years, and knew Louise well. She retired before I did, but, back in the ‘good old days’, we all had a wonderful comradery among the employees. She will definitely be missed by all who knew her. Sincerely, Cathy Ashley (formerly Morrow).
I first met ‘Mama Louise’, as I called her, in 1981 when I started at St Joe. She called me her ‘Little Filipino kid’ and was always there to give help and support. After she retired, I would stop by the Gift Shop and get a big hug! I am thankful for our time together & cherish my memory of her.
To Louise’s family, I worked with Louise for many years at St Joseph. She was a good person and a very good nurse. Sorry for your loss. Phyllis Elrod RN 5 west
Berndsen Family, We were very saddened to hear about the loss of Louise. She was such a wonderful person and has touched the lives of so many. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that her loss is felt by all who knew and loved her and that she is with God in heaven. You will all be in our prayers. Sincerely, Kenny and Joan Putnam Julia, Danielle, and Jake Putnam
Sharon, My heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family. Louise was such a sweet and kind lady and it is easy to see the legacy she leaves behind on earth in you, her beloved daughter. There is a new angel in Heaven now rocking and taking gentle care of all the little babies. I wish you peace and comfort.
To the Berndsen Family, I am so sorry for the loneliness and the deep sorrow you going through with the passing of Louise. When I heard that Jesus had called her home, I thanked Him for allowing me to cross paths with such a beautiful woman. Her kindness, grace, compassion, love, and joy for others was so selfless. She always spoke of her family with such love and pride. Thank you for sharing her life with me. You will all be in my prayers. Sincerely, Kit Bruggeman
I work with Jaime. I want to send thoughts and prayers to all of you. May the Lord be with you and comfort you in this time of grief. In sympathy Judie