Bernadette Crahan

Bernadette Crahan, age 90, died Sunday November 5, 2023, at the Cedar Ridge Village in West Des Moines, Iowa.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 10, 2023, at Resurrection Parish, Dubuque, IA, with entombment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.
Arrangements are entrusted with Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in New Hampton. 641-394-4334
Bernadette C. (Maher) Crahan, affectionately known as Bernie, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2023, in West Des Moines, Iowa, after a life filled with love, creativity, and spirit. Born on October 30, 1933, in Beresford, South Dakota, Bernie was the ninth child and last surviving of eleven children. She touched the lives of all who had the good fortune to know her.
Bernie was a devoted wife to her late husband, Richard H. Crahan, and a loving mother to her children. She was predeceased by her son, William R. Crahan, and is survived by her children Michael F. Crahan (Hyn Ju), Roben M. Bee (Daryl), Kimberly A. Tooman (Douglas), and Renee K. Whitlow (Allen). Bernie was a cherished grandmother to Michael, Catherine, Jeffrey, Robert, April (Wayne), Brandon, Erin, Kristin, Cody (Hope), Brody, Lee (Heather), Ashley (Mike), Morgan (Levi), Lauren, and Madelynn (Lucas). Her legacy lives on through her great-grandchildren: Roman, Gabriel, Bryce, Kingston, Brady, Skylar, Addison, Ava, Charlotte, Cooper, Braylee, Brextyn, Tripp, Collin, and Lennon. In addition to her immediate family, Bernie is survived and loved by the many nieces and nephews from the Maher and Crahan families.
Bernie was educated in Santa Monica, California, and Pierre, South Dakota. Her most cherished roles were those within her home and family. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Bernie created a nurturing environment that was filled with love and laughter. She had a heart big enough to welcome every new baby into the family with open arms, and she took immense joy in watching her family grow. Bernie was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved crafting, an interest that she channeled into creating beautiful handmade gifts for her church bazaar. Her primary values included a love for a clean home, pristine yard (no weeds or leaves to be found) and teaching her children the value of hard work.
In later years she enjoyed ceramics, hiking, golfing, and completing puzzles. Her competitive nature was exhibited in Bingo and Dominoes. Bernie leaves behind a legacy of love and creativity. Her life was a testament to the importance of family, and the value of friendship. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.In her 90 years, Bernie lived a full life. Her memory will be cherished, her life celebrated, and her spirit will continue through the lives of her children and grandchildren. Rest in peace. Your love and legacy will forever be a part of us.