Obituary of Bernadine M. Knight

Bernadine M. "Bernie" Knight, 96, of Iowa City, passed away Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015. A gathering celebrating Bernie's life will be held from 2:30-4 p.m., Thursday, September 24th at Melrose Meadows, (350 Dublin Drive) in Iowa City. Memories and online condolences can be shared with her family at www.gayandciha.com. Bernadine Mary Horras was born December 28, 1918, in Ollie, Iowa; daughter of Archie and Clara (Allar) Horras. She grew up at the family farm near Sigourney Iowa, was active in the Sigourney community and worked as a legal secretary and court recorder. On January 20, 1940, she married Calvin A. Knight in Waterloo, Iowa. A few years later, during the war, they moved to Washington State where they both worked on development of the Hanford nuclear project in varying capacities. After the war, Bernie and Calvin moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa and later, in 1956 they moved to Iowa City, where they raised their family. Together Bernie and Cal shared many interests and traveled the world as a result of those interests. They were avid birders, gardeners and travelers. She was a member of Eastern Iowa Birdwatch (Iowa City Bird Club), Iowa Ornithologists' Union and the Cedar Rapids Audubon Society. Bernie was a long time member of the 4 Seasons Garden Club, a founding member of Project Green, was active in the Iowa Hosta Society and served on the Iowa City Riverfront Commission. She also spent a significant amount of time and energy perfecting her floral design skills; even traveling to Japan to study the art of Japanese flower arranging, known as Ikebana. Bernie taught classes in flower arranging and made numerous presentations on the subjects of flower arranging, Ikebana, bird watching and conservation. She was well known for her special interest in Owls, and took Owls into the local schools as part of presentations for grade school students. In 2007, she dedicated the Knight Prairie Pavilion at F.W. Kent Park in Johnson County. Bernie's family includes her daughter, Crystal Kelley of Auburn, AL; son, Calvin K. Knight and his wife, Maureen of Alamo, CA; grandchildren, Monica and Emily Knight and Collin Kelley King and his wife, Katherine and great-grandchildren, Cole, Grayson, Peyton and Abby. She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin in 2002 and her parents. Bernie's beloved dog "Angel" will now be residing with family. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Johnson County Conservation Board for the benefit of F.W. Kent Park. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Bernie's family and her services, and will also accept donations for F.W. Kent Park.