"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family."
GARNER -- Bernard J. Urich, 50, of Garner died Monday (June 9, 2008) from injuries sustained in an accident at Garner.
Funeral services will be held 10 A.M., Saturday at the Garner-Hayfield High School Auditorium with Rev. David Wagner officiating. Burial will be in Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 P.M., Friday at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the high school.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Bernie Urich Memorial Fund to be used for musical scholarships.
Bernard Joseph Urich, the son of Clement Dale and Angeline (Meier) Urich, was born June 1, 1958 at Mason City. He attended school at Garner-Hayfield Community Schools, graduating in 1976. On August 11, 1978, he married his high school sweetheart Bambi Luppen at the United Methodist Church in Garner. Bernie worked at Coast-to-Coast and then operated Bernie's Plumbing & Heating Business in Garner. He later worked at Iowa Mold & Tooling and then Farmland Industries. For the past 11 years he was employed by Zinpro Corporation in Garner, most recently as Production Superintendent. He enjoyed his family, attending his boys activities, singing, biking and traveling to Lake Superior, which was a special place for Bernie and Bambi.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church where he was the choir director for 12 years, taught Sunday school, Bible School, Youth Group and also led the children's group, "Pennies from Heaven." He was past president of Music Boosters, past member of River City Barbershop Chorus and sang with the gospel quartet, "Free Spirit" for 10 years.
He is survived by his wife, Bambi Urich of Garner; three sons, Tyler of Algona, Trevor of Storm Lake and Tanner of Garner; his mother, Angeline Urich of Delta, CO; his siblings, Gerald Urich (Rita) of Austin, CO, Veronica Corkill of Crystal Lake, Tony Urich (Sue) of Garner, Yvonne Vizcarra of Des Moines, Bonaven Urich (Joyce) of Delta, CO, Nancy Horstman (Jeff) of Britt, Karen Brunsen (Terry) of Colorado Springs, CO and Marjori Langhoff (Charles) of Dayton, OH; Bambi's parents, Janet & Bill Luppen of Garner; 2 brothers-in-law, Kevin Luppen (Janice) of Wasilla, AK and Milo Luppen of Woodbury, MN; 2 sisters-in-law, Misty Bartleson (Tony) of Forest City and Kelli Krutsinger (Doug) of Marengo and many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clement Urich, December 16, 1998 and a nephew, Connor Brunsen.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family."
"Bambi, I just heard. I am so sorry. It doesn't feel real to us, I can't even imagine how you feel. We were so fortunate to have been able to enjoy Bernie's gift of voive for so many years. Thank you for sharing him. Juli"
" Bambi & Family, We are sorry to here of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Willie & T Foster"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You now have a guardian angel to watch over you."
"Bambi Please know that I am praying and keeping you in my thoughts . I remember singing with Bernie and practicing for All State with him. He always made me laugh when he would tease Diane Ridder. From experience I know how difficult and numbing this can be . Please know that even in death, love remains. With sincere sympathy Deb Hayes Kleckner"
"Bambi and family words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
" Bambi and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Zach and Jacki Knorr"
"Our hearts and prayers go out to your family at this difficult time. Bernie set a great example for his community, his family, and for his fellow workers. Our son, Vahn, will especially miss him."
"The Urich Family, May God comfort you in your hour of need on the passing of your love one, Bernard. I am one of Karen co-workers. Again, may God bless all of you beyond expression. Norman"
" I could not believe the news. I am so very sorry for your loss. I offer my condolences to your family in this time. Bernie was a really great man. He was funny, and kind. I remember every time I saw him he would have a smile."
"Mark, Mike, and Matt Beasley of Colorado Springs, friends of Karen, Colton, and Myles Brunsen, extend our deepest sympathies."
"Dear family, I talked to Tanner at the ballgame the other night but I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that Doug and Bernie spent some precious hours together. I still remember them leading the Bible School one year. They had as much fun as the kids. We all know where Bernie is and Heaven is rejoicing. Deane Adams"
" Bambie and Family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Bernie was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He always put a smile on my face."
" Bambi, I send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I will always remember the times Bernie and I spent together in school. Your loss will obviously be felt by many. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7"
"Bambi, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember all the good times with Bernie in choir and preparing for All-State. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."