Wesley Albert Bernhardt, age 88, of Odebolt, IA, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, IA. Wesley was born on October 30, 1927, in Odebolt, IA, to Fred and Isabell (Kallmer) Bernhardt. He was baptized in 1927 in Odebolt and confirmed into the Catholic faith in 1939 in Schaller, IA. He was a member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Odebolt.
Wesley attended school through the 9th grade in Schaller and graduated from Storm Lake High School. Following graduation Wesley was inducted into the United States Navy serving from October 1945 through October 1947 earning the rank of SC-1 First Class Seaman.
On December 29, 1952, Wesley was united in marriage to Aloysia Bengford at the Catholic Church in Early, IA. They were blessed with five children: Sandie, Linda, Cheryl, Gary and Keith.
Wesley worked hard farming and as a car salesman to provide for his family, retiring in 1993. His life was centered around his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother who cherished spending time with his family and friends. Family gatherings brought him great joy. He will be missed by all who knew him. Wesley also enjoyed watching sports programs on television.
Survivors include his children: Sandie (Kenneth) Fineran of Norfolk, NE, Linda (Jerry) Youngren of Odebolt, Cheryl (Ward) Meeves of Yorba Linda, CA, Gary Bernhardt of Sheldon, IA, and Keith (Gina) Bernhardt of Lakewood, CO; grandchildren: Jeff (Leah) Fineran of Norfolk, NE, Travis (Tami Estlund) Youngren of Odebolt, Chastity and Collin Meeves both of Yorba Linda, CA, Jared (significant other Megan) Bernhardt of Sheldon, IA, Justin Surat and Austin Surat both of Chandler, AZ, Halee, Cameron and Daniel Bernhardt all of Columbus, GA; great-grandchildren: Maddilyn and Blaine Fineran of Norfolk, NE; and Harlow Youngren of Odebolt. Other survivors include his brothers and sisters: Bob Bernhardt of Clarion, IA, Arlene Grundmeier of Storm Lake, IA, Richard (Margie) Bernhardt of Leola, PA, and LaDon (Norma) Bernhardt of Florissant, MO; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Wesley was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Isabell Bernhardt; wife Aloysia Bernhardt; brother James Bernhardt; daughter-in-law Gretchen Bernhardt; sister-in-law Lois Bernhardt; and brother-in-law Art Grundmeier.
