Obituary of Berdena L. Mulford

Berdena (Bernie) Wells Mulford, 94, of Iowa City, passed away at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on February 27, 2021 with her family by her side. A time for family and friends to gather to celebrate Bernie’s life will be held Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 3 to 5 pm at the Elks Country Club (637 Foster Road, Iowa City). Bernie was born June 26, 1926 in Montezuma, Iowa, the daughter of Ralph and Stella Wells and sister to Twyla Brown. She married Kenneth Mulford on December 21, 1947 at First United Methodist Church in Iowa City and had three children; Susan, Janet and James. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Nursing in 1948 and practiced for many years in Pediatrics, OB/Gyn and Surgical Oncology until her retirement. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing bridge, and their couples’ potluck group. She was an avid seamstress and crafter and made many gifts and crafts for her church and other organizations. Her most recent endeavor was leading the Dorcas quilting group at FUMC making prayer quilts for members of the congregation. Bernie was an dedicated community volunteer. She was involved in the Rockin Readers at Robert Lucas Elementary, Pilot Club of Iowa City, American Legion Post 17 Auxilliary, Ladies Home Builders Auxilliary, and volunteered at Mercy Gift Shop . She was a Sunday School teacher and involved in numerous United Methodist Women groups at First United Methodist Church for many years. She is survived by her children, Sue (Gene) Schroeder; Jan (Gary) Wilson; and Jim (Kellie) Mulford; her sister Twyla Brown; nieces and nephews, Tracy Mulford, Valerie Porter, Brian (Becky) Brown and Craig (Penny) Brown. She was the proud “Grandma Bernie” of 10 grandchildren, Eric (Andrea) Schroeder, Megan (Chuck) Ikewood, Trent (fiancée Taylor Kress) Schroeder; Hillary Biancuzzo, Lindsay (Jason) Ellison, Evan Wilson, Matt (Laura) Wilson, Amy (Michael) Lackey; Justin (Lauren) Mulford, and Tyler (Sami) Mulford. Her large family has 22 great grandchildren, Tayte, Langstyn, Hayzel, and Louys Schroeder; Chloe and Cooper Ikewood; Nick and Lucas Biancuzzo; Bruce and Declan Wilson; Reese, Drew and Ben Wilson; Wilson Hershman, Maria and Matthew Lackey; Hudson, Hensley, Peyton, Ava, Emma, and Mack Mulford. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Kenneth Mulford and brother in law Keith. Bernie’s family would like to thank everyone at Legacy Pointe Assisted Living, Iowa City; Crestview Specialty Care, West Branch, and University Hospitals and Clinics Doctors and Nurses for the excellent care that was provided to Bernie.