Elvera E. Bernett

Elvera “Tootie” Elizabeth Bernett received her angel wings on March 6, 2026 at the age of 94 at the Morrow Home in Sparta. She was lovingly surrounded by her family. Tootie was born on October 8, 1931 in Sparta to Robert and Ruth (Kremmer) Wegner.

Tootie spent her early years living on the farm in Little Falls and graduated from Sparta High School in 1949. She worked part-time at Schultz Bros. 5 and 10, Max Sparta Café and Northern States Power. In 1950 she was united in marriage to Russell Bernett at the Cataract Lutheran Church. In 1951, Tootie began her career at Camp McCoy which would span 37 years with the Army Air Force Exchange Service. During the last 16 years of her employment, she became the Exchange Manager for Fort McCoy, Volk Field, Truax Field in Madison and Fort Snelling in Minneapolis. She was a professional through and through and a wonderful mother to her 3 children that she raised along the way.

Retiring in 1988, Tootie became actively involved in the community. She was a faithful and active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She organized the kitchen for the annual Bazaars (everyone remembers her amazing barbecues), Lenten lunches and just helping whenever needed. She also served as the WELCA treasurer for many years. Tootie was a member of the Sparta Lioness, worked at the election polls for over 30 years, volunteered at the Ecumenical Food Pantry and the Red Cross, and was a driver for the Monroe County Senior Social Services.

Tootie and Russell enjoyed retirement together, traveling in their motor home and spending winters in Arizona. Many fishing trips were taken to Canada with family and friends. Their most enjoyable vacation together was an Alaskan cruise celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Whenever holidays or any special event rolled around, Tootie was the “hostess with the mostest” opening her home to extended family and friends. Lots of wonderful memories were made for all of us.

Tootie was also very proud of her 3 children, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren. She loved them all deeply. She was a constant source of optimism, kindness and grace. We will forever cherish the love she shared and the memories she gifted all of us.

Tootie is survived by her children, Sheila Abbott, Steve (Judy) Bernett, and Greg (Deborah) Bernett; grandchildren, Jodi Mutschler, Gretchen Abbott, Mackenzie Bernett and Morgan Bernett; great-grandchildren, Derek (Taylor) Mutschler, Braeden Abbott, Macie Mutschler and Ethan Mutschler; great-great-grandchildren, Jace Mutschler and Ella Mutschler. Tootie is also survived by siblings, James Wegner, Joanne (Gene) Christenson, and Jeanette (David) Dukleth; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ruth Wegner; husband, Russell; brother, Richard (at age 4); son-in-law, Milo Abbott; grandson-in-law, Ryan Mutschler; sisters-in-law, Carla Wegner, Jeanne Cole, Yvonne Travis, and Patricia Bernett; brothers-in-law, Duane Bernett, Gale Bernett, Keith Bernett, and Lewis Travis; and other special family members.

Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sparta on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11am with Pastor Josh Buzbee officiating. Family and friends are invited for visitation at the church from 9:30am until the time of the service with a luncheon to follow. Burial will follow the luncheon at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, in Sparta.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or Sparta Area Cancer Support (SACS).

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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