Bernna Deane Hawkins, 87, of Victor, died on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at Rose Haven Care Center in Marengo.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at St. James Lutheran Church in Victor with Pastor Michael Kolesar officiating. Interment will be at Ohio Cemetery near Ladora. A luncheon will follow at St. James Lutheran Church.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor.

Memorials may be designated to St. James Lutheran Church and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347. Memories and condolences may be shared with Bernna Deane's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Bernna Deane Mead was born the daughter of Dean Collier Mead and Berneice Louise (Juilfs) Mead on April 6, 1936 in Anamosa, Iowa. She was raised near Anamosa and in 1951 the family moved to Ladora. She graduated from Ladora High School with the class of 1953.

Bernna Deane began her journey of love and companionship when she married Richard Hawkins on October 20, 1953, in Preston, MN. Their union was blessed with four children: Jill, Kevin, Bruce, and Jeffrey. Together, they created a life filled with love, adventure, and a deep sense of family. The Hawkins family resided near Ladora. After Dick's death, Bernna Deane moved to Victor. She worked at Amana, served as a dental assistant, and later contributed her skills as an administrative assistant at Augustine Insurance in Marengo.

Bernna Deane and Richard shared a passion for travel with camping became a cherished family tradition, creating lasting memories and strengthening the bonds of love that held the Hawkins family together. Later in life, Bernna Deane traveled to several countries and areas in the United States with special friends.

A faithful member of St. James Lutheran Church for over 70 years, Bernna Deane found solace, support, and inspiration in her spiritual community. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, shaping her character and influencing the values she instilled in her family.

An avid sports enthusiast, Bernna Deane took joy in watching Iowa Women's basketball and attending her grandchildren's sporting and school events. Her presence added warmth to the bleachers and sidelines, a testament to her unwavering support and love.

Described by those who knew her as fun-loving, upbeat, dependable, classy, and practical, Bernna Deane was a woman of many admirable qualities. Her positive outlook on life and infectious laughter brightened the lives of those around her.

Bernna Deane is survived by her daughter, Jill (John) McCallister of Victor; sons, Kevin (Maria) Hawkins of Ladora and Bruce (Becky) Hawkins of Ladora; daughter-in-law, Michelle Hawkins of Ladora; 9 grandchildren, Josh Thys, Jerica Gritsch, Michael (Brittni) McCallister, Sarah (Marcus) Thuente, Terry (Jill) Hawkins, Lacey (Gabe) Schrader, Wyatt (Lauren) Hawkins, Josh (Stacy) Hawkins, Adam (Susan) Hawkins, Charles (Ellie) Hawkins, and Angie (Kris) Wolf; 16 great grandchildren, Avery and Ryker Gritsch, Tenley Heitman, Mae and Cade McCallister, Henry Thuente, Parker Schrader, Alexa and Lucas Benesh, and Brenna, Lola, Bennett, Raylene, Cash, and Memphis Hawkins; and her sisters, Kay (Randall) Betz of Marengo, IA and Jane Roehs of Lincoln City, OR. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard Hawkins; son, Jeffrey Dean Hawkins; and brother-in-law, Paul Roehs.