Bernard B. "Bernie" Bader

Bernard B. “Bernie” Bader, age 79, a longtime Park Rapids area resident, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. Bernie was born April 12, 1937 to Otto and Anna (Borg) Bader in LaCrosse, WI.  He graduated from Nevis High School in 1957.  After high school, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps where he proudly served his country until February 1963.  He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA and then went on to spend a year in Okinawa and a year in Camp Lejeune, NC.  He was honorably discharged as a Corporal E-4..  From 1963 until 1970, Bernie served on the Great Lakes as a Merchant Marine.  During his last year as a Merchant Marine, Bernie was a Wheelsman, steering ships through the Great Lakes.  Bernie then returned home to Park Rapids where he gained employment with Haberer Oil Company.  In 1977, he began working as a custodian at the Hubbard County Courthouse in Park Rapids.  He remained employed there until his retirement in 1998 in a career that spanned twenty-one years.  During this time, Bernie was also the custodian at Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids.  He enjoyed outdoor exploration looking for mineral specimens which he polished and put on display.  Bernie also enjoyed fishing in the many lakes around the Park Rapids area. Bernie will be lovingly remembered by several cousins including Arlene Guethling and Vincent Arvik, both of Park Rapids, Harold Arvik of Montana, Bethleen Conner of Bloomington, MN and George Frohock of La Crosse, WI. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Anna. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with Rev. Marty Giese officiating..  Visitation will be held beginning one hour prior to the services. The Star Of The North Marine Corps League will provide military honors.  Interment will be made at Greenwood Cemetery next to his parents. A light luncheon will be held at the funeral home following the service. To leave online condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.