I have just heard of Mrs Rawls passing. I’m deeply saddened.
Her family and ours were very close growing up on 11th Ave No across from St Paul’s Elementary School. Someone from one of our families were at each others house constantly. At times Mrs Rawls was like a 2nd Mom to me and my family members. The opposite was true for my Mom Mitzi and the Rawling kids.
I remember Colleen being a great fisherwoman. Her and hubby Rich would frequently go up into Canada fishing along with my parents. Their favorite place was Lake Sasaginniak in Manitoba. One of my fondest memories of Colleen was her bringing (over to our house) her famous homemade “gooey rolls”. We were supposed to wait and eat them Sunday morning after church, but I couldn’t resist and had to sneak a few bites Saturday night. My Mom (Mitzi) and Colleen were wine connoisseurs. I remember both of them always drinking a glass of Ripple or Leo’s O-So-Good on days end after taking care of their large families.
Mrs Rawls was a wonderful mother and person. She raised 7 great kids and I’m sure grandchildren and great grandchildren. Hopefully she’s with all of her Blueberry picking friends finding the mother lode for blueberry pancakes. RIP Colleen
Colleen A. Rawlings-Bernick
September 2, 1932 – May 21, 2026
Colleen A. Rawlings-Bernick passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Woodcrest Memory Care in St. Joseph, MN.
A private family funeral will be held at a later date. Burial of the urn will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pearl Lake.
Colleen was born on September 2, 1932 to Harry and Mathilda (Ohmann) Burns in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She was one of seven children.
Colleen attended St. Cloud Cathedral High School and The College of St. Benedict where she met Richard Rawlings. They married on May 2, 1951. Together, they had seven children. Richard died on September 21, 1997.
Colleen was married to Roy Bernick on June 14, 2000. They were married for 24 years until his passing on February 14, 2025.
Colleen was a faith-filled, funny, pleasant woman who loved her family and God. She enjoyed playing cribbage, traveling, fishing and spending time with the “blueberry girls”. She was involved in many activities at Woodcrest and especially loved BINGO.
She is survived by her seven children, Michael (Colleen), Terry Rawlings, David (Diana), Kristi (Peter) Spaniol, Amy (Joseph) Maiers, Jenny (Michael) Giambruno, and Sandy (Bill) Clark; 23 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren; and sisters, Nancy Wenner and Kathleen Tompkins.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Terry, John and Michael Burns; sister, Margaret Lytle and great granddaughter, Ivy Mae.
A special thank you to the staff of Woodcrest of St. Joseph for their loving and compassionate care of Colleen.
Guestbook
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family on the passing of a very special person. May you all find peace in each other during this time & know you are all in our thoughts & prayers
My Rawlings clan, so many memories your mom with her side grin and funny comments and all the laughter and good times with your mom and dad, and how their friendships so enhanced my parents lives and ours. And if course, the blueberry gals and their close friendship. Mom sends all her sympathies and deep gratitude for having your mom in her life, from childhood on. Good to see you lovely gals at Dad’s funeral and Pete! Blessings and love from me, mom, and all the Lorbieckis.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. She was such a wonderful woman. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Your mom clearly raised a beautiful family, and her love will live on through each of you. Sending prayers and heartfelt sympathy. 💛💛💛
Services
Schedule Details
A private family funeral will be held at a later date. Burial of the urn will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pearl Lake.