Kenneth R. Bernier

Ken Bernier, 76 of Fargo, ND died October 2, 2019 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND. Ken was born on May 28, 1943 in Fargo, ND to Robert and Marcella Bernier of St. Benedict, ND. Ken was the eighth of 11 children. He was always happy that his parents did not name him Henry the Eighth. Ken grew up in the village of St. Benedict and attended St. Joseph School for 12 years, graduating from high school in 1961. He joined the US Navy after graduation. He served aboard the USS Harlan R. Dickson and the USS John Paul Jones as a Fire Control Technician.  His ship the John Paul Jones was involved in the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He served from 1961 – 1964. Ken started his career with NCR Corporation in 1964 as a Field Engineer and retiring in 2000 after 34 years. Ken married Patty Schmidt on November 28, 1964 at St. Benedict Church, Wild Rice, ND They had five children, 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Ken joined his brother Gene’s Country Band in 1964 along with another brother Clarence. He played guitar and sang.  The Rustlers Band played in the Fargo and surrounding area for many years. Ken also played horseshoe and fast pitch softball in Fargo and Wild Rice. Ken was a member of St. Benedict Church and a member of the American Legion. Ken was known for his quick wit and sense of humor and his awesome singing voice. He is survived by his wife Patty of 54 years, Fargo, ND; his children, Dan (Nora) Bernier, Maple Grove, MN, Tom Bernier, Fargo, ND,  Marcy Bernier, Denver, CO,  Mike (Wendy) Bernier, Horace, ND; grandchildren, Abby Hammes, Josh, Jake (Miranda) Bernier and Jenna Bernier, Erika, Morgan, Zoey and JorJee Corbitt, Max and Sam Bernier; and great-granddaughter Maisie Bernier; sisters, Margaret Pronovost and Ione Marie Parsons; brothers, Clarence (Diane) Bernier and Steve Bernier; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Renee Ann Bernier; and daughter-in-law, Cassi Bernier; brothers, Gene Bernier and Jerry Bernier; and sisters, Lorraine Trottier, Ilene Zahn, Yvonne Olson and Dolores Fisher. There will be a visitation from 6-7:00 PM with a prayer service following at 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. The funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 7, 2019 at St. Bendict’s Catholic Church, Wild Rice, ND with a visitation one hour prior.