Bernadine "Bernie" Fuller

Bernadine D. Fuller, 91, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Health Center. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N Pennsylvania Ave. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service time. Burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the family of Bernadine Fuller.

To watch Bernadine's service live, click here: Funeral Service of Bernadine Fuller

Bernadine “Bernie” Doris Fuller was born on April 2, 1935, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to Elgie and Ruth (Smith) Moore. In 1937, the family moved to Mason City, Iowa, where Bernie grew up and graduated from Mason City High School in 1953.

Bernie was introduced to her future husband, Don, in 1952 through a mutual friend. They married on September 16, 1953, and shared a loving marriage for 72 years. Together, they were blessed with three daughters: Toni, Lynn, and Melanie.

Bernie was a stay-at-home mom and lovingly cared for her daughters. She built snow forts and snowmen, baked cookies, and made delicious lunches for her daughters and Don when they came home at mealtime.

As the girls grew older, Bernie entered the workforce. She began working at the Mason City High School library, where she enjoyed helping students and developed great camaraderie with her co-workers, who became lasting friends. She later began working for the University of Iowa at the Child Health Specialty Clinic in Mason City. She loved working with the children who came to the clinic and getting to know their families.

Bernie stayed busy with her involvement at church, including Mothers’ Club, Rebecca Circle, teaching Sunday School, helping with the annual bazaar, and serving as a member of Stevens Ministry.

Traveling was another love of Bernie's. Whether it was a trip to Europe or Hawaii, the annual camping trip west to the mountains, or traveling with Don to his model airplane contests, she was always up for an adventure.

After retirement, Bernie and Don began looking for a place in Florida to spend their winters and settled on Brook to Bay in Englewood. They spent more than 20 winters there, enjoying the weather and the beaches, and establishing many lifelong friendships with residents of the community. They especially loved when family came to visit so they could share the sights and introduce them to their favorite restaurants.

Above all else, Bernie cherished her family. Holidays were a time to gather and share good food, fun, and conversation. Over the years, the location of these gatherings shifted from their home on South Vermont to Prairie Place on 1st, and finally to Cornerstone Assisted Living.

Bernie is survived by her husband of 72 years, Don; her daughters, Lynn Fuller and Melanie Nutting; her son-in-law, Tom Merfeld; her grandchildren, Joe (Hedi Razavi) Harrington, Andrew (Alana) Harrington, Ben Kostka, John (Micki) Kostka, Megan (Rob) Kostka-Dietz, Brianna Cooper, and Shae Nutting; and her great-grandchildren, Sydney and Miles Harrington; Karlee and JD Kostka; Noah, Curtis, and Emma Kostka; and Ferryn Cooper.

She is also survived by her sister, Colleen Wilson, her sister-in-law, Ruth Baack, and many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was preceded in death by her daughter, Toni Merfeld; her parents; her husband’s parents, Cecil and Viola Fuller; siblings Richard Moore, Glen Moore, and Arlene Wright; son-in-law, David Nutting; sisters-in-law Dorothy Lavender and Neola Horn; and brothers-in-law, Cecil Fuller, Jr.; and Walter Fuller.

Memorials may be directed to the family to donate to organizations important to Bernie.

Though her final days of life were challenging her faith remained steadfast.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13