John Bernard

John Bernard, age 66, of Milbank, SD, died on February 28, 2020, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

A joint Mass of Christian Burial will be held to honor and celebrate the lives of John Bernard and his sister, Alice "Toni" Bernard, who passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Avantara in Milbank, SD. Services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank, SD. Fr. Brian Eckrich will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A prayer vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, one hour prior to the Mass. Inurnment will be at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery.

John Thomas Bernard was born on March 11, 1953, in Minneapolis, MN, to Thomas Vincent and Alice (Kaercher) Bernard. He grew up in Woodbury, MN. He graduated high school in 1971 and attended the University of Minnesota. John was a loving care-taker for his family and friends. For a number of years, John enjoyed playing Santa Claus at Emanuel Lutheran Church. He will be remembered for saying, “Uncle John doesn’t think that is a good idea!” John enjoyed spending time at Mill Theater and visiting with friends. He also enjoyed trap shooting, hunting, and deer camp. John was a very inclusive person. If someone in a group was uncomfortable, he would get up, introduce himself, and help make them feel included. He made many friends by including new people in his activities or conversations.

Left to cherish his memory are his sisters: Dorothea Moga of Minneapolis, MN; and Alice “Toni” Bernard of Milbank, SD; one brother, Michael (Barbara) McGuire of Woodbury, MN; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents: Thomas and Alice; and siblings: Charles McGuire and Mary Edwards.