Berneta "Bing" Mae Navratil

Berneta "Bing" Navratil passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Signe & Olivia's Assisted Living in Pine City at the age of 92.

Berneta Mae Lehrke was born September 19, 1931 to Albert and Mabel (Goette) Lehrke in Roberts County, South Dakota. She grew up with her older brother, Marvin and younger sister, Darlene near Browns Valley, Minnesota.

Browns Valley is where she met her true love, Leonard Navratil while roller skating at Browns Valley Coliseum. They were married April 2, 1948 and made their home and raised five children on a farm north of New Effington, South Dakota. She and Leonard moved to the Twin Cities area and bought a home in Edina, living there until retiring to the Alexandria area.

Besides being a mother and farmer's wife, she worked in banks wherever they moved, beginning at a bank in New Effington, transferring to an Edina bank, and retiring from a bank in Alexandria. 

One of the things Bing will be most remembered for was the multitude of afghans, doilies, towels, and table runners that she lovingly crocheted and gave away. She made many prayer shawls and baby afghans for her church in Alexandria which brought her so much joy. 

Her family was her pride and joy; especially spending time with grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. 

In 2012, after her husband Leonard of 64 years passed away, she moved to Pine City to live with her daughter Jeneice. In September of 2022 with her health failing, she moved to Signe & Olivia's Assisted Living in Pine City. There she kept all the staff in line and on their toes. She was a joy to them all. 

Bing is survived by her children Marlene (Larry) Evenson, Collette Gapp, Jeneice Carter, Kevin (LeAnn) Navratil; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; sister Darlene Schaunaman; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bing was preceded in death by her parents Albert & Mabel Lehrke; husband Leonard Navratil; son Leonard Navratil, Jr.; daughter Jeanie Ellen Navratil; sons-in-law Terrance Gapp, Ross Carter, Wayne Brogren, Joe Bommersbach; brother Marvin (Margaret) Lehrke.

A gathering for Bing, 5-7:00 PM; Monday (7/1) will be held at the Swanson Funeral Chapel, Pine City.

Funeral services for Bing: 11 AM; Tuesday (7/2) at the First Lutheran Church, Alexandria with 1 hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at the Bohemian Independent Cemetery, Lake Mary Township, Douglas County, Minnesota.

 www.FuneralAndCremationService.com