Marilyn Bernadette Flesher

Marilyn Bernadette "Bernie" Flesher passed away Thursday, August 1st, 2024, at the amazing age of 91. 

Bernadette was born on June 29, 1933 in St. Paul, Iowa. She was the first of four children born to A.J. "Chuck" and Gertrude (Sporkman) Bremhorst. She was raised in a devout Catholic family and her faith remained an important foundation throughout her life. 

She grew up on a farm and was no stranger to the hard work that came with farm life. She graduated St. Paul High School in 1951. After graduation, she moved to Burlington and worked in sales and did modeling for J.S. Schramm Co. In 1960, she married George Phelps and they moved to Bettendorf. Though they would later separate, they proudly welcomed two children with love: Michael David and Kimberly Ann. 

Bernadette married her love and partner in life, Elmer "Bud" Flesher in 1990, and embraced three step-children and their families. She and Bud created a home in Bettendorf. They always enjoyed dining out together and spending time with one another. She retired from the Sheet Metal Workers after 25 years of service. Following retirement, she pursued her love of fashion and worked in a small boutique. She also worked as a crossing guard for the City of Bettendorf, where she enjoyed interacting with the students every day. 

Bernadette had a love for bowling and was quite a capable bowler, having four 600-series and maintaining a high average. She also enjoyed making ceramics, planting flowers in her garden and visiting with friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, and especially her grandchildren. She always held a special place in her heart and was very close to her grandson, Michael Christopher. 

Bernadette will always be remembered by those who knew her as a saintly woman with a very soft and giving heart. Her spirit was always happy. To know her was to love her, and no one spread more love in one lifetime than her. We will miss her deeply, but we know, she will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. For nothing loved is ever lost... and she was loved so much. 

Bernadette is welcomed to heaven by her parents, Chuck and Gertrude Bremhorst; her sister, Bertha Hoyer; her brothers, Bernard Bremhorst and David Bremhorst; and her son, Michael Phelps. 

She leaves behind many family members to cherish her memory, including her husband of 34 years, Bud Flesher; a daughter, Kimberly (Chris) Phelps; three step-children: Chris (Jane) Flesher, Chuck (Denise) Flesher and Mary Jo (Russell) Auliff; daughter-in-law, Wendy Handley; and 11 grandchildren: Michael (Megan) Ayers, Pat Auliff, Michael C. (Kara) Phelps, Ashley (William) Nelson, Desiree (Chason) Greenwood, Les (Lily) Flesher, Brinlee (Courtney) Flesher, Felix Valor, Nicholas Brewer, Mya Brewer and William Brewer. She also leaves behind 6 great-grandchildren: John Fulkerson III, Benjamin Nelson, Faith Ayers, Logan Ayers, Cooper Flesher and Amariah Greenwood; a sister-in-law, Janice Bremhorst; and countless nieces and nephews that were each special to her. 

A visitation will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bettendorf, Iowa on August 8th from 10:00am - 11:30am. The visitation will be followed by Mass and then a luncheon. Please join us to celebrate Bernie's beautiful life. 

Bernadette will return home and be laid to rest with her family members at St. James Cemetery in St. Paul, Iowa.