Walter Bern

Funeral service for Walter Eugene Bern Jr., 83, of Spencer, will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at Warner Funeral Home in Everly. Following the services at the funeral home there will be a reception at the Hap Ketelsen Community Center in Everly. He passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Walter was born Feb. 12, 1941. He was a first generation American born to Walter Bern Sr. and Elaine (Howe) Bern. Walter Sr. immigrated with his family as a young boy from Germany in 1928. The couple eventually settled in Primghar where Walter Jr. was born.

Walter loved and played football in high school. He also was in band where he played the trumpet. During this time, he met his wife of 65 years, Darlene Litka from Sutherland. They were married on Oct. 29, 1959, in Hartley. The couple had eight children: David, Rhonda, Brenda, Randy, Brent, Cory, Heidi and Heather.

Walter and Darlene began their marriage and life together in Primghar where Walter work for the Sanborn Creamery. Walter spent much of his boyhood time at Aunt Freida and Carl Ruschman’s Farm, where Walter dreamed of being a farmer, and then became one when the couple moved to Spencer in 1967. They eventually bought a farm 5 miles east of Spencer.

Including his love for farming, he also held only two other jobs, working for Spencer Foods and Rohlin Construction (which later became Tri State) from which he retired in 2008 at the age of 67.

Walter enjoyed farming, raising cattle, hogs and in his later years, gathering his alfalfa off the field for market, working hard to support his family. He and Darlene enjoyed attending sporting events that their many children and grandchildren participated in. He also enjoyed fishing, and in his later years, the company of his loving wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many special friends.

Walter’s death was unexpected. After conquering cancer six months prior, all was well. Walter was sent to Sioux Falls Heart Hospital after some issues arose, to have a pacemaker put in. He died on Dec. 12 after being sent to Encompass Health for therapy and to regain his strength.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Sr. and Elaine Bern; and daughter, Rhonda (Bern) Weisbrod.

Walter is survived by his loving wife, Darlene; children: David, Brenda (Nick) Leuer, Randy (Ronda) Bern, Brent (Victoria) Bern, Cory Bern, Heidi Bern, Heather Bern; 15 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many special friends and family.

Warner Funeral Home of Spencer is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent at www.warnerfuneralhome.com.