Jeannette Lynn Bernhoft a Sitka resident, passed away Oct. 2 in Anchorage due to a long-term illness. She was 48.
She was born May 3, 1965, in Condon, Ore., the daughter of Dan and Sharon Bell.
She graduated from Crook County High School in 1983, and in 1984 she married Sherman Locker. They resided in several locations before moving to Sitka in 1991.
Jeannette acquired a position at Public Assistance, where she spent most of her working career. Even after she became ill, she selflessly continued to help others to receive services and assistance.
In 1995 she married Chip Korngiebel, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Her first child, Hallie, was born in Sitka in 1996. The family transferred to Hawaii where their second daughter, Mollie, was born in 1998. After Hawaii, they were stationed in Ilwaco, Wash., for three years and then finally returned to Sitka in 2002.
In 2006 she married Dennis Bernhoft. They remained in Sitka, and Jeannette became employed by the Center for Community while Dennis worked for SEARHC. When Jeannette became ill, Dennis stood by his wife, and very lovingly took care of her until the time of her death.
Jeannette’s childhood was spent in Fossil and Kinzua, Ore., and later moved to Prineville, Ore. There she naturally enjoyed the outdoor life. She continued her passion of hiking and exploring the natural beauty of all that Sitka has to offer.
“Whenever you would come across Jeannette on a trail, you would for sure see her dog Smokey,” her family said. “He was always by her side until his passing.”
Jeannette gave her life to the Lord at an early age, and her faith in God was an inspiration to her family and friends. She understood the joy of simple things in life such as watching movies with her family, reading a good book, or having conversations with many of her good friends. Her girls were the center of her life.
Jeannette is survived by her husband Dennis Bernhoft, daughters Hallie and Mollie Bernhoft, parents Dan and Sharon Bell, brother John Bell, sister-in-law Terissia Bell, nephew Justin Bell, mother-in-law Doris Bernhoft, brother-in-law Mike Bernhoft, and sisters-in-law Margaret Shaffer and Ann Bernhoft. Numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces also survive.
She was preceded in death by her nephew Nicholas Bell, and her beloved dog Smokey.
Services will be held at United Methodist Church, 303 Kimsham St., 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. A reception will follow.
Memorial funds can be donated to First National Bank of Alaska 318 Lincoln St. in Sitka.
