Bernice H. "Berni" Breitkopf, 91, of Rapid City, died November 16, 2020 at the Monument Health Home Plus Hospice House.

Berni was born on September 24, 1929 in Akaska, South Dakota to Charles and Pauline (Schott) Ernst.  She grew up in Aberdeen, graduating high school then attending Northern State Teachers College.  Bernie attended Indian Valley College in Novato, California receiving a degree in business communication, the University of San Francisco receiving a teaching certificate in Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and the College of Marin in Kentfield, California, receiving a certificate in drafting and design.

Berni used her different degrees working in occupations in Northern California. At one time, owning and operating Craig Creations in Novato, California.

Bernie met Dieter in California in 1988 when they became neighbors. As Dieter describes, he married his "Soul Mate" in Sonoma County, California in 1989. She was the love of his life.  They moved to Aberdeen in 1996 and to Rapid City in 1998.

Where ever Berni lived, she was very active in her community volunteering with different organizations.  She truly enjoyed singing. She will be remembered as devoted, kind and elegant.

She is survived by her husband, Dieter Breitkopf, Rapid City, her children: Susan (Richard) Marshall, Ft Jones, CA, Stepchildren; Eric Breitkopf, Gillette, NY and his children; Kayla and Derek _, and Sandy Breitkopf, Bedminster, NJ and her son in law, George Barantseff, San Francisco, CA.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura Craig Barantseff.

A Memorial Eucharist will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, May 13, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Friends may sign her online guest register at www.osheimschmidt.com.