Bernadine was born on September 22, 1935, the daughter of Michael and Pauline (Geisinger) Bachmeier in Rugby, ND. She was raised and educated in the Orrin, Blumenfeld and Minot areas and she attended St. Leo's Catholic School. As a young adult she worked for various cafes in Minot as a waitress. Bernadine was united in marriage to Gerald Lee on October 28, 1953 in St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot. They made their home in Minot, where they owned and operated Tony's Tavern until 1973. They then moved to Burlington where they owned and operated the Idle Hour Lounge until 1978. She continued to work in various places in the Minot area and retired in 1987.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Foxholm, American Legion Auxiliary and Moose Lodge in Minot. During their retirement they enjoyed traveling, which included trips to Arizona, Colorado, California, Hawaii and other various areas. She enjoyed bingo, pinochle, dancing and especially enjoyed, spending time with her grandchildren.

Loving husband of 52 years, Gerald; daughters, Peggy (Larry) Hieb, Burlington, Pam (Darrel) Keller, Lansford, and Nancy (Rodney) Kennedy, Foxholm; son, Joseph (Mary) Lee, Lecanto, FL; seven grandchildren, Jason (Mary) Hintz, Levi (Emily Varberg) Hieb, Scott (Heather) Lee, Jessie (Scott Boser) Kennedy, Codie (Austin Miller) Kennedy, Jacob (Lori) Lee and Jeremiah Lee; seven great-grandchildren, Jude, Keon and Julian Hintz, Ryley, Alyssa and Emmersyn Lee, Brasen Kennedy; sisters, Ann (Mike) Schaffer, Eugene, OR, Regina Raub, Minot, Liz Larson, Minot and Rail Moore, Eugene, OR; brother, Anton (Mary) Bachmeier, Minot, numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernadine was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Mike, Ben and John, sisters, Mary Lesmeister and Margaret Bachmeier.

Funeral: Saturday, June 17, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Friday, June 16, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Interment: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Foxholm, ND