Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Bernhard, 97, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on March 14th, 2026 at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 19th, 2026, at the Church of St. Mary in Sioux Falls, SD. A visitation, with family present, will begin at 9:30 AM to greet friends. Following a luncheon, the burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Betty Ann Bernhard was born on November 18, 1928, on a farm near Hartford, South Dakota, to Joe and Elizabeth (Jandl) Kielman. Growing up on a farm helped shape the values that guided her throughout her life—dedication, resilience, and a strong work ethic.

Her family later moved to Sioux Falls, where Betty attended Emerson Grade School and Washington High School. In 1945, the family moved to Harrisburg Corner, where Betty helped her parents operate the Harrisburg Corner gas station.

In 1948, Betty married the love of her life, Edward G. Bernhard. Together they built a life and raised their family on an acreage south of Sioux Falls. Betty worked alongside Ed and helped support the family business, Bernhard Home Improvement Company (BHI), where she played an important role in keeping things running.

In 2005, Ed and Betty purchased The Country Apple Orchard. Betty spent several Fall seasons there selling tickets for the pony and train rides, enjoying the chance to greet families and children who visited the orchard.

Betty experienced both the joys and hardships that come with a long life. She endured the loss of loved ones who went before her, yet she carried on with quiet strength. When Ed later struggled with Alzheimer's disease, Betty faced those difficult years with the same devotion and loyalty that had always defined their marriage.

Betty also had a very special place in her heart for animals. Her kindness and compassion extended not only to her family and friends, but to the animals she loved as well. She was a member of St. Mary Church and the Altar Society.

Those who knew Betty will remember her kindness, her strong work ethic, and the way she showed love through everyday acts—helping, supporting, and simply being there when it mattered most. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the values she passed down, and the memories shared by those who knew and loved her.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughters Nancy and fiancé Bill Beddow of Harrisburg, Cindi Tuttle of Sioux Falls, Mary Bernhard and her significant other Jeff Dietz of Harrisburg; her son Joe Bernhard and his significant other Janelle Jamtgaard of Sioux Falls; and a special granddaughter, Stacie Bechtold, who was raised by Ed and Betty, and her husband Ryan of Sioux Falls.

She is also survived by her brothers, Rich Kielman and his wife Linda of Sioux Falls, Russ Kielman and his wife Betty of Brandon; grandchildren Ryan Olson and his wife Kristin of Harrisburg, Eric and fiancée Katie Mead of Sioux Falls, Andrea Bernhard of Sioux Falls, Lale Norgaard and her husband Regan of Volga, step-grandson Mike Olson of Sioux Falls, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Elizabeth (Jandl) Kielman; her husband, Ed; her son, John; her brother, Robert Kielman; and her sister, Joyce Burhenn.

Because of Betty's love for animals, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Sioux Empire Pit Rescue of Sioux Falls in Betty's name, an organization that Stacie and Ryan are actively involved in.

While her family feels the sadness of saying goodbye, they are also deeply grateful for the many years they were able to share with her and for the love, strength, and memories she leaves behind.