Bernadine Emma Bax, age 89, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Care Center. She was born on December 13, 1925, daughter of the late Anton and Alma (Lueckenotto) Boessen. On October 30, 1947, she was united in marriage to Emil John Bax, who preceded her in death on August 8, 1989.

Bernadine was a member of the St. Ann's Sodality, Ladies American Legion Auxiliary, the St. Elizabeth quilting group and St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth.

She is survived by eight children, Patricia Redel and husband Ed of Brinktown; Gerald Bax and wife Donna of Fulton, Paul Bax and wife Martha of St. Elizabeth, Randy Bax and wife Elizabeth "Liz" of Jefferson City, Melvin Bax and wife Doris of St. Elizabeth, Wayne Bax of St. Elizabeth, Karen Otto and husband John of St. Elizabeth; and Mike Bax of St. Elizabeth; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Agnes Benne of St. Charles and Sister Ann Boessen of Jefferson City; one brother, David Boessen and wife Agnes of St. Thomas; and four sister-in-laws, Viola Boessen, Irene Boessen, Helen Herndon and Laurentia Blomberg and husband John.

She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Phillip Boessen, John Boessen, and Norbert Boessen; one sister, Flora Kirkweg; one great-granddaughter, Callie Berhorst; one grandson-in-law, Nick Libbert; and numerous brother and sister-in-laws.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Rev. Patrick Shortt will officiate. Interment will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., on Friday, January 23, at the St. Elizabeth Community Center.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Lawrence Cemetery or St. Lawrence Catholic Church.