JAMES J. BERNARDY

James J. Bernardy, 88 of Fargo and a life-long Munich, ND area farmer died on Friday, June 24, 2016 at his daughter’s home in the loving care of his family. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, June 29th, 2016 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Munich with Father Mathew Pamplaniyil and Father Steven Wirth concelebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Devils Lake with military honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. James Joseph, was born on September 4, 1927, the youngest of 7 children born to Peter and Julia (Kraus) Bernardy. James was born on the family farm in Cavalier County, rural Munich, ND and would live almost his entire life on this farm. He attended Trier Township School and also Munich High School. He began farming with his Dad at an early age, and would continue that passion the rest of his life. James was united in marriage to Joellyn M. Thielen on September 19, 1950 at Calio, ND. They lived, worked and together raised their daughter on the family farm, making it their home even after retirement. From February of 1952 to January of 1954, James was called to active duty with the United States Army and served his country in Germany with the 4th Infantry Division, 8th Infantry Regiment. He remained in the US Army Reserves until March of 1960. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. Along with the farming, James worked many winters at the Munich Standard Oil Station and for many years was a substitute rural mail carrier out of the Munich Post Office. He was also very active in his community and church as a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and life member of the Knights of Columbus. He also served on the Trier Township Board and the ASCS Board out of Langdon. He also enjoyed membership in the Langdon American Legion and Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. He treasured life with Joellyn until her death on July 16, 1999 and was so thankful for the last two years in the loving care of his daughter and her family. James is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Leslie and Vaughn Thorstad, granddaughters Lindsey, Marissa and Taryn Thorstad and great grandchildren Elaina and Silas all of Fargo; brothers-in-law Harold Berg, Devils Lake, Lawrence Thielen, Mandan, ND and Roman Michels, Langdon, ND and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joellyn; brother Hilary Bernardy; sisters Pauline Ballweg, Clara Michels, Eleanor Mueller, Delores Berg and Geraldine Berg. Casket Bearers will be James nephews Dale Bernardy, Gerald Bernardy, Wayne Mueller, Larry Berg, Donald Berg and Owen Berg. Honorary Bearers will be Verlyn Bernardy, Melvin Mueller, Scott MacArthur and Doug Doescher. Music will be provided by St. Mary’s Choir, Jane Wirth and Lindsey Thorstad, reading the Scriptures will be Bonnie Johnson and gift bearers will be Judy Davidson and Elaine MacArthur.