Cecelia A. Bernadt

Cecelia Ann Bernadt, affectionately known by friends and family as “Cecil,” passed away peacefully in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the age of 77. Her passing comes after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s, which she faced with the same resilience she carried throughout her life.

Cecelia was born on February 5, 1948, in Lincoln, to Rose and Mariano Amodeo. A lifelong resident of the area, she graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1966 and continued her education at the Lincoln School of Commerce. On September 15, 1973, she united in marriage with the love of her life, James Bernadt, at St. Teresa Parish. Together, they shared 52 beautiful years of marriage built on faith and devotion.

Above all else, Cecil’s life was defined by her devotion to her family. While she spent 45 dedicated years working for State Farm in the Fire Company, her most cherished and significant role was raising her two children, Jeremy and Terri. She was a constant, loving presence in their lives, balancing the demands of work with the heart of a mother who always put her children first. This legacy of love only grew as she welcomed her four grandchildren, who became the light of her later years.

Cecil found joy in the simple pleasures: a good book, her collection of Cherished Teddies, connecting with close friends, and peaceful afternoons visiting new wineries with Jim. A woman of deep faith, she was a long-time member of St. John’s Catholic Church and a familiar, helping hand at church functions, especially the Fall Harvest Festival.

She is survived by her devoted husband, James Bernadt; her children, Jeremy (Bobbie) Bernadt and Terri (David) Travis, all of Lincoln; her four beloved grandchildren, Isaiah, Emma, Hannah, and Josiah Travis; her sister, Lorraine (Donnie) Harling; her niece, Abbie Harling; her nephew, John Harling; her cousins, Janet (Calvin) Nilson and Dale (Jeanette) Arrigo; sister in law Clara Bernadt, Tom (Caroline) Bernadt, Cathy Bernadt Tucker, Mary Bernadt Marteney, and Pattie Bernadt and many other dear family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Mariano Amodeo; her aunt, Mary Amodeo; her niece, Joannie Harling; and her cousins, Augie Arrigo and Bonnie Heckathorn; in laws Carl and Luella Bernadt; brother in laws Dennis and John Bernadt.

A celebration of Cecil’s life and faith will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Lincoln.

A rosary will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 AM. The reception: will take place immediately following the service at 11:30 AM (at the church), ending with a burial service at 1:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made directly to the family for later distribution to causes close to Cecil’s heart.