Bernita E. Lappe, age 92, of New Ulm died peacefully on Sunday, August 1, 2021.

Mass of Christian burial will be 12 pm on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm.  Father Shawn Polman will celebrate the Mass, and burial will follow in the St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery Comfrey, Minnesota.

The visitation will be from 10:00-11:45 am on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm

The Christian Mothers will pray the rosary at 4:00 pm on Monday at the Cathedral.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Bernita is survived by her daughters, Mary Lappe of New Ulm, Lois (Daryl) Helget of New Ulm; her grandchildren, Lyndsey (Keith) Beranek of New Ulm, Krystal (Joe) Loula of St. Peter, Holly Helget of Minneapolis; her great-grandchildren, Jared, Chloe and Morgan Beranek, and Ashlyn, Kaelyn, and Claire Loula; special family member, Deb Zahn; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded by her husband, Harold Lappe who died in 2002; her daughter, Sharon Kay Lappe; her son, Frank Lappe; and her brothers, Donald Ray and Joseph Thobe.

Bernita Elizabeth Thobe was born May 12, 1929, in Breda, Iowa to Frank and Julia (Steinkamp) Thobe.  She completed her schooling in Breda, Iowa.  On May 6, 1947, Bernita was united in marriage to Harold Lappe in Rockwell City, Iowa.  This union blessed the couple with three daughters and a son whom together they raised in Comfrey.  Eventually they moved to New Ulm in 1966.  There, Bernita and Harold ran the Lappe Tree Service, New Ulm Real Estate, as well as a local taxi service.  Bernita also spent time working at 3M in New Ulm.  After Harold's passing in 2002, Bernita worked for five years through the senior program with the DNR which gave her great pride and enjoyment.  Later she started going to the New Ulm Community Center to share meals, friendship, and activities.  Besides her work, Bernita was always one who liked to stay occupied outside of the house.  As a woman with a curious mind, there was very little she wouldn't try her hand at.  She was an exceptionally gifted seamstress and loved sharing her gifts with those in need.  She was able to sew her daughter's wedding dress as well as her granddaughters baptismal and communion dresses, among many other cherished items.  She spent many hours sewing for the "Little Dresses for Africa" program as well.  As a provider in the kitchen, Bernita also dearly loved reading and collecting countless cookbooks over the years.  She was a devout and dedicated member of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm where she was also active with the Christian Mothers.  Bernita will be forever remembered for her energetic and social ways.  She simply loved being around people and especially loved time she got to spend with her family.  She ended her phones call with, "I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck" to her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Although she lived a beautiful 92 years, she will be forever missed by all who knew and loved her.  Many cherished memories will forever stay in their hearts.  Blessed be those memories.