Bernard was born August 8, 1922 on the family farm near Burr Oak, Iowa to Paul and Mariam (Carr) Wanless. He attended the Burr Oak School and graduated from the Canton High School. He farmed for a few years before entering the United States Marine Corps in 1944. He served in China and Okinawa. In 1946 he returned to the Burr Oak area and resumed farming with his father. On October 3, 1946 he married Phyllis Dahlen. In 1964 they moved to a farm near Hesper and have resided there since. In “retirement” he drove truck and for 14 years volunteered to drive veterans to the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. He enjoyed mowing their lawn and for their neighbors.
Bernard passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah at the age of 90.
Bernard is survived by his wife Phyllis of Decorah; three children Barb (Carsy) Christopherson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, DiAnn (Don) Lundtvedt of Decorah, and Dalen Paul Wanless of Decorah; five grandchildren Curt (Deanna) Christopherson, Bryan (Susan) Christopherson, Dawn (Dan) Decker, Daniel (Tiffany) Lundtvedt, and Dwayne (Lisa) Lundtvedt; eighteen great grandchildren; and two step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the Hesper Lutheran Church with the Rev. Matt Larson officiating. Burial will be in the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. |
