Bernard Henry Ahlers, Sr., 77, of Bertha, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at his home in Bertha Township.
He was born on May 17, 1931, the thirteenth child of Evert and Alice (Kramer) Ahlers at Trosky, Minn. He grew up in southwest Minnesota and Clear Lake, S.D. He married Irene Baartman on June 26, 1953, in Edgerton, Minn.
He worked for farmers and drove truck for a couple of years and then moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., in September 1955. There he worked the night shift in the Keller Brass factory for more than 10 years before moving to a farm by Egan, S.D., in March 1966. In October 1970, he moved his family to the farm by Bertha.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 16, 2009, at the New Life Church of God in Bertha with the Rev. Johannes Marsland of the Hewitt Church of the Nazarene presiding. Honorary pallbearers were all of his grandchildren. Pallbearers were Linn Smith, Denis Rounds, Brian Westergren, David Rausch, Jim Rounds and Marvin Hemming. Interment was in the Zion Cemetery in Bertha Township. Domian-Anderson Funeral Home ( www.domian-anderson.com ) was in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include Irene, his loving wife of 55 years; daughters, Marlene (Larry) Calhoun of Wadena, Donna (Jim) Peterson of Alexandria, Gloria (Dean) Templin of Tucson, Ariz., and Nancy (Terry) Hendershot of Rose City; sons, Bernie, Jr. of Parkers Prairie, Leroy (Joyce) of Eagle Bend and Jesse of Bertha; 22 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brothers, James of Bolivar, Mo., and Bill (Rita) of Duluth; sisters, Annetta Wiekamp of Clear Lake, S.D., Frances (Cornie) VantHof of Milaca and Arlene (Eldon) Hunsberger of Rockford, Mich.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
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He was preceded in death by his parents, Evert and Alice Ahlers; five sisters and three brothers; a granddaughter; and an infant great-grandaughter.
