Gertrude 'Bernie' Bernadine Traphagan Stelmach Malcolm

Jan. 13, 1921--Nov. 5, 2010

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Bernie Malcolm, 89, passed away on Friday (Nov. 5, 2010), in Lincoln, Nebraska.

She was born Jan. 13, 1921, on a farm near McCook, to John L. and Jane M. (Corcoran) Traphagan. She attended elementary school at Spring Creek, graduated from McCook High School and attended McCook Junior College.

She was a homemaker and retired bookkeeper for the McCook Equity Exchange in McCook.

She met Leonard J. Stelmach while he was stationed at McCook Air Bases with the Army Air Corp. The couple married in 1945, made their home in McCook, and to this union four children were born. Leonard passed away in 1970.

Bernie married Robert I. "Ike" Malcolm in 1981. Both retired from the McCook Equity Exchange Exchange.

She enjoyed many activities with family and friends including dancing, cooking, sewing, playing cards, her Snow Village collection and jigsaw puzzles.

She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and belonged to St. Patrick's Altar Society and Padriac Club. She was involved as a Brownie Scout leader, 4-H leader, and room-mother.

Bernie lived her life based on her strong belief in God and dedication to her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John L. and Jane M. (Corcoran) Traphagan; brother, John Traphagan; sisters, Loretta Ruppert, Leona McCracken, Genevieve Anderjaska and Irene Vap; and her first husband, Leonard Stelmach.

Bernie is survived by second husband, Robert I. Malcolm; sons, Leonard Stelmach and wife, Lois of Lincoln, Gregory Stelmach and wife, Dannette of Sterling, Colorado; daughters, Kathy Bauer and husband, Dennis of Lincoln, and Mary Stelmach of Lincoln; step-children, Debbie Mittlestad and husband, Don of Broomfield, Colorado, Judy Madron and husband, Bill of McCook, Michelle Bunell and husband, Dave of McCook; sister, Elanor M. Traphagan of Sterling, Colorado; sisters-in-law, Catherine Cleson of McCook, Mildred Malcolm of New York City, New York; brother-in-law John Austin Malcolm of Austin, Texas; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial is Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook with Father Gary Brethour officiating. Interment is in Calvary Cemetery in McCook.

Rosary is Tuesday, 7 p.m. at Herrmann Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name and will be used for charitable contributions.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.