Bernadette Muhlenkamp

Bernadette “Bernie” (Nietfeld) Muhlenkamp, age 86, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away with her children at her side on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.

She was born on Nov. 5, 1938, in Celina, Ohio, to the late Aloys and Leona (Muhlenkamp) Nietfeld.

Bernie is survived by her children, Steve (Jana) Muhlenkamp of Fort Recovery, Donna (Gregg) Minnich of Portland, Ann (Michael) Jocola of Warren, Ohio, Teresa (Rick) Post of Portland and Connie (Craig) Buschur of St. Henry, Ohio; her 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, with two on the way, and one great-great-grandchild; her siblings, Joe (Deli) Nietfeld of St. Henry, Mary Studer of Celina, Alberta Brackman of Coldwater, Ohio, Margie (Lennard) Kregel of Beecher, Illinois, Marcellus (Judy) Nietfeld of Celina and Francis (Betty) Nietfeld of St. Henry; her brother-in-law, Shawn Kirkpatrick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Bernie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Robert “Bob” Muhlenkamp, whom she married on Oct. 7, 1961, and who passed away 13 days prior on Sept. 13, 2025; her siblings, Vincent Studer, Harold Brackman and Clete (Bernice) Nietfeld; and her in-laws, Marvin (Delores) Muhlenkamp, Edna (Paul) Rauh, Gilbert (Edna) Muhlenkamp, Marciel (John) Alig and Betty Kirkpatrick.

In her early years, Bernie worked for The Buckeye in Coldwater and then served as an in-home caregiver for new mothers and young families, something she enjoyed and took great pride in for many years. When she earned the cherished title of “Mother,” Bernie devoted herself fully to raising and caring for her beautiful family.

A woman of deep faith, Bernie was an active member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church and the church’s ladies’ sodality. She was also a former member of the Daughters of Isabella.

Bernie was an avid puzzle enthusiast, completing hundreds over the years. She also loved quilting and making blankets for her family. Bernie enjoyed playing cards, especially playing golf, and hand and foot. She had a remarkable green thumb and took great pride in tending her garden each year. From the abundant produce she grew, Bernie canned nearly everything — vegetables, fruits, even meats — and she was especially proud of her homemade ketchup.

Family was at the heart of Bernie’s world. She treasured every moment spent with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren. Bernie and Bob shared a bond that was truly inseparable. Wherever Bob was, Bernie was never far behind. She enjoyed spending time with him in his wood shop, and their love for one another was a constant, immeasurable presence in their lives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Fort Recovery. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Guests may visit with Bernie’s family on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Parkview Home Health and Hospice.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting brockmanboeckmanfh.com.