Jean, so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of you two when I was at Village Co-op.
Bernie was always so kind to me .
Penny Shedek
November 1, 2022
Jean, Kathy, and Scott - we were so shocked and sorry to learn of Bernie’s passing. Thinking of all the times we enjoyed being together for a visit or a meal out. Seems like a long time ago, but age and health had a way of slowing us down. We cherish the memories and pray for your peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Joyce and Harold
Joyce and Harold Hutchins
June 11, 2022
Sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. So many wonderful memories at your home in Marion, Eastern Iowa Road Riders, and all the road trips he l lead us on. Bob & Bernie are having a reunion in Heaven.
Sherry Murray
June 10, 2022
Jean, it has taken several days for this to sink in and for me to compose something worthy of Bernie. The lump in my throat is real. It is not often that you are blessed with a person who comes into your life and has such an impact on you, but Bernie did. When I worked summers during high school and college for the school district is when I came to know Bernie. He was such a remarkable guy; I swear there wasn't anything he didn't know. He was the type of person who just did his job without fanfare, would offer his opinion when asked but more often than not, you were always going to Bernie for advice. From cars, to motorcycles, moving bleachers, developing plans in his head for attachments for the school equipment, building things that saved the district hundreds if not thousands of dollars allowing us to utilize district equipment rather than purchase or hire out. I never saw a better welder. He taught me so many things that seem minor but I still carry them with me today. As a teenager, the thought was it would be great to work on the ball diamonds with my buddies who worked on the summer maintenance crew with me, but Perry paired me up with Bernie many times and I am so grateful for that. The knowledge he had. I often would share with my son how in utter awe I was of him and his ability, his patience with me and with always coming up with a better way, a more efficient way. Two things I will share; Bernie built a tractor vacuum for the John Deere 400, built it from scratch, better than anything I had seen anywhere. It was so well engineered and as a testament to its quality, nearly 40 years later, the school district still uses it. Second, the bleachers at the very south end of the football complex on the home side. This was meant for the Jr. High kids and possibly the band. Bernie and I were tasked with putting it together but as it came together, Bernie really didn't care for the railing system. He felt it left gaps that a small child could get through and maybe get hurt. So he sat down and came up with some railings that we ultimately made into a one piece railing at the end of the runway that prevented anyone from possibly tumbling off between the runway and stair railing. You would've never known it didn't come that way. I saw you and Bernie at Fareway a few years ago and I just had to give him a hug and tell him how much he meant to me. I am glad I did. His parting words to me on how he was able to always figure things out were "take your time, think it through, and you'll get it figured out". RIP my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Jean.
Ron Knapp
June 7, 2022
Shocked to hear of Bernie's passing. We feel so sorry for you and will miss him greatly. We will miss the "Well hello Sands" when we called. I think
Bernie knew every "good" motorcycle road in Iowa and Wisconsin. When I planned a ride I tried to find roads he hadn't ridden. I don't think i ever succeeded. Our Hearts go out to you. We will keep in touch.
Arlene & Vern Sand
June 7, 2022
Jean, so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of you two when I was at Village Co-op.
Bernie was always so kind to me .
Penny Shedek
June 6, 2022
Jean, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
I remember your parents from years ago. I worked with your mother at
Nissen's when they were on "A" Ave NW.
Sincerely
Ruth Iben Beckley
June 6, 2022