"Nancy & family: I'm so sorry to just hear now about your loss. Bernetta was the sweetest Mom and I was so happy to hear that she still made her famous cakes (especially the Harvey Walbanger cake). She lived life to fullest all the way through and was an inspiration to all of us. God bless and I'm sure she is talking to my Mom right now."
In loving memory of
Bernetta Kouba
December 15, 1926 - November 30, 2017
Bernetta "Red" Kouba (Grandma), of Winona, died Thursday, November 30, 2017 peacefully surrounded by her family in her home at 90 years of age. Bernetta was born December 15, 1926 to Albert and Mabel Sobeck (Golish) in East Burns Valley.
Bernetta served the people of Winona for twenty years in the Finance Department at City Hall. She truly enjoyed working and took pride in a job well done. She made each person feel special, remembering everyone's birthday with countless Angel Food, chocolate or Harvey Wallbanger cakes. After she retired, she volunteered for more than twenty years at the Goodview schools. Her greatest joys were exchanging hugs with the kids on the playground and helping them to learn how to read. This past August she was the Goodview Parade Grand Marshal and her heart was buoyed by hundreds of children calling "Grandma!" "Grandma!" from the sidewalks. She started delivering the morning newspaper at the age of 85 and continued through this past August. She lived by the code: be helpful, be kind. She often said: It's never too hot for coffee or too cold for ice cream.
Bernetta will be missed dearly by her three daughters, Mary (Brian) Hassinger of Winona, Nancy (Al) Schreiber of Winona, and Terri Kouba (Richard Hobbs) of Polson, Montana; four grandchildren, Brian (Kelly) Hassinger, Jason Hassinger (Kate Libby), Carl Schreiber, and Aimee Schreiber; many nieces and nephews; and her extended family in the Kensington Apartments.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, sisters, Ruth (Lee) Ronnenberg and Marianne (Jule) Mastenbrook, brothers Eugene (Shirley) Sobeck and Clemens Sobeck, and half-brother Harold Sobeck.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 4, 2017 at the Church of St. John Nepomucene in Winona with Monsignor Thomas Hargesheimer officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, and one hour prior to the mass at the church. Services entrusted to Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview. The family would like to thank Winona Health Hospice Care for their loving care. Special thanks to Bernetta's Kensington family for their friendship and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her honor can be made to the Goodview Elementary PTA, 5100 W 9th Street, Goodview, MN 55987. Please share a memory of Bernetta and sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"My children (and I!) absolutely loved Grandma at Goodview School. She was one of a kind. The world needs more people like her. RIP Grandma. "
"To the Kouba family I send my condolences on the lost of your Mother. Terri I now see where you got your will to help and encourage others from your roll model "Mom". (thank you) Peace and blessings from Sornette here at UC Berkeley "
"So very sorry to hear of the passing of Red. She was always a kind, caring and upbeat lady. The manner in which she chose to live her life is a inspiration to us all. Heaven recievegd another angel and this one has a lot of experience? Eternal peace to Red ? Suzie Laska"
"To Grandma's Family, Grandma was such a joy to have at Goodview School! She was a little person with a mighty impact! She was positive, encouraging, empathetic, kind, compassionate and truly cared about the teachers, staff and most importantly, the students. Her devotion to service was beyond compare. Her thoughts and actions were always about others! She will be greatly missed and admired by all! I will make a contribution to the Goodview PTA in her name. Peace, Marianne Texley, retired principal of Goodview School."
""Aunt Red" was always one of my favorites - a kind and giving woman. I am sorry I am not able to be there today for the visitation. She is a free spirit now. Much love to all of you!"
"If I were to write about all of the wonderful things I remember about my mother, the result would be a tome too heavy for a human hand to lift. Instead, I'll say: Thank you for always believing in me, always encouraging me and always loving me. Terri"
"To Red's family, I'm sorry to hear of the loss of a great woman. I enjoyed plus my grandparents Florence and Bill her cakes and her loving fellowship that she brought each day. God Bless, Tony McMillan"
"Oh, Red, what good times we had - the Hot Fish Shop luncheons when we got paid - letting me choose what cake I wanted for my birthday which of course, was your Angel Food with your fabulous frosting! I still have the green pepper cookie jar - one of many Christmas presents from you - and the wooden kitchen spoons - I wonder where you got them - so different. and you would not let me where! Even though I left Winona many years ago, you were always in my thoughts especially Christmas. I just remembered you sold Christmas cards and wrapping. I am very grateful you were in my life and the kindness and support you and the girls gave me with Polly. You are living in high heaven these days! Virginia Brown Lochner, Prairie du Chien, WI"
"To all the families that were a part of Bernetta's life...I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you with His great love and peace. Her spirit will always be close to you. I came to know Marianne and many of the Sobeck family through the years. May God help you to smile upon your memories often. Dian (Foster) Gappa"
""Mrs.Kouba " as we respectfully addressed her, was a delightful, kind lady. I remember visiting with her, as us St. John's kids played together. Another wonderful angel in heaven. Many blessings to all of you. Mary Jo Lorbiecki-Mickschl, LaCrescent, MN"
"The students of Goodview School will forever cherish their memories of time spent with "Grandma". She generously shared her love and made each one feel special."
"Elaine Mann on Dec. 1st. I will miss you Grama. We had some fun time working at the Goodview school."
"Jessica Mlsna (Jessie Ruprecht)"
"Grandma Kouba loived my brothers and I like we were her own. We were blessed to have her as a neighbor. I have cared for hundreds of kids in my life, the love grandma showed me shines thgrough to them. Thank you to her family for sharing her with us. My thougts and prayers are with you as you miss her. "
"I have known Bernetta for a very long time tho Maryann her sister well miss her great SMILE and our nice talk we had God bless you dear love "
"To the Family of Bernetta~ You have all been so blessed to have this lady in your lives. She truly was a gem to all that had the pleasure of knowing her. I went to school with Terri (years ago) we were the same age. May you cherish the memories of days past and know that your Mother is now hugging the many children in heaven. God Bless, Tammy (Gatzlaff) Seebold"