"SORRY TO HEAR THE NEWS OF MARK PASSING. PRAYERS FOR ALL. Kenny & Mary Ann Studer"
In loving memory of
Mark M. Bernhard
May 21, 1938 - August 24, 2019
Mark Maurice Bernhard, son of Maurice and Ella (Elsbecker) Bernhard was born May 21, 1938, in Bancroft. He grew up on the family farm west of town graduating from St. John's High School in 1956. Mark was a member of the Iowa Army National Guard from 1959 until 1965 serving with the B-Battery, 1-194th Field Artillery in Algona.
On November 23, 1963, Mark was married to Barbara Kellner at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. They settled on a farm in Seneca Township where they produced livestock, cultivated crops, and raised their family. Mark showed award winning sheep and cattle at the Kossuth County Fair in the '50s and continued to enjoy raising livestock for many years. He loved entertaining the grandchildren, golfing, fishing with "Mike" and going to sales.
Mark was an early member of St. John's Parish and after attending Cursillo and Life in the Spirit Seminars he worked with priests on Rural Life and Pro Life projects. He single handedly raised funds for a billboard near the Algona Sale Barn to save babies. He will be remembered as a good and honest man who loved to argue with a constant smile on his face.
Retirement to Algona was a big change for Mark but decidedly necessary and so in March of 2013, the move was made. He appreciated coffee time at the Donut Shoppe and playing cribbage. He quickly adapted to Parish life at St. Cecelia's helping with funeral dinners and Church projects when able. Mark had an active prayer life, saying the Rosary, reading his Bible daily and attending many Masses and prayer meetings. Mark was instrumental in having the Lundstroms come to Algona and he was a faithful supporter of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). He also supported the Carmelite Nuns of South Dakota and the Priests of St. Lawrence Seminary in Mt. Calvary, WI.
Mark entered Good Samaritan Society in Algona on December 17, 2018. He went to his Heavenly Reward on August 24, 2019, at the age of 81.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years Barbara of Algona; three children, Alan Bernhard of Bancroft, Dr. Judy Wardenburg and her husband Brad of Williamsburg, and Andy Bernhard of Burt; and three grandchildren, Calista Rose Bernhard, and Luke and Joshua Bernhard. He is also survived by two brothers, Dave (Darlene) Bernhard of Britt, and Bill (Marilyn) Bernhard of Bancroft; a sister, Mary Celeste (Bill) Goche of Fairmont, MN; a sister-in-law, Pat Bernhard of Bancroft; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Matt and Kate Bormann an infant son and daughter, Joseph Mark and Joan Marie; his daughter-in-law, Kim (Pedelty) Bernhard; two brothers, Phil and Paul Bernhard; a sister-in-law, Ersel (Bierle) Bernhard; three nephews, Daniel, Kenny, and Greg Bernhard, and a niece, Brenda Vaske.
Tributes
"So sorry to lose another classmate. Mark always asked about everyone when I would run into him. Will keep all of you in my prayers."
"So sorry to lose another classmate. Mark always asked about everyone when I would run into him. Will keep all of you in my prayers."
" So sorry to lose another classmate. Mark always asked about everybody when I would run into him. He was a great friend and neighbor. Will keep all of you in my prayers. "
"Thoughts and prayers go out to all during this difficult time. He is now in God's hands and at peace. RIP Mark"
"Dear Judy and Family, Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. May each day bring a smile with loving thoughts and memories of the great man you called "dad". You are in our prayers. Joyce & Carl Sefl "
"Dear Barbara and family, We are sad to hear the passing of Mark and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers along with the weekly candle and prayers at Holy Hill. Mark was a good and kind man that is certainly being welcomed into heaven. We are all lucky to have know him and had him in our lives. I will always remember Mark as the "great white hunter" with his white coveralls and high powered rifle hunting for fox in the cold Iowa winters! Love and prayers, Michael, Donna and Ella Goche"
"Dear Barb and family, Deepest sympathy to you at the loss of Mark. We graduated together in 1956 and I saw him at our last class reunion. He was a very pleasant and kind man. I will include him and you in my prayers. Sincerely, Diane (Deitering) Peterson"
"Barb and family, I was deeply saddened to learn of Mark?s passing from mom this evening. I?m so very sorry for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. I will include Mark and your family on my rosary intentions this evening. I know Mark will be missed by so very many, especially my dad. He really enjoyed their chats and time together. May the Lord, our Blessed Mother and all the angels comfort you in your sadness. God bless, Sara (Ulses) Brinker Mike and Gage, too ??????"
"I will always cherish the memory of my uncle and godfather. He always had a wonderful smile and kind worked to share with me. He and his family are always in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Mark was such a kind, gentle, smiling man. I always looked forward to bringing him communion - he had an infectious grin and lovely personality. Barbara and the family are in my prayers. Molly MacDonald"