The Life of BERNARD EDMUND NYSTROM
Bernard Nystrom passed away Saturday, July 11, 2015, at the V. A. Medical Center, at age 94.
Bernie was born July 14, 1920, on a farm in rural Boone County to Albert and Anna Nystrom. The second oldest of eight children, Bernie would leave his one-room schoolhouse in the eighth grade to go to work at a neighboring farm in order to support his large family. It was there that he would meet the girl who would become the love of his life – Lois Daniels.
When World War II broke out, Bernie enlisted in the Army on January 28, 1941, and went on to fight in Northern Africa and Italy. It was in Italy where Bernie would be severely wounded which would eventually cost him is leg. Due to his injuries he was awarded the Purple Heart and Oak Leaf Cluster and was honorably discharged on August 15, 1946.
He came back to Iowa, married Lois and went to work at the V.A. where he stayed until his retirement 42 years later. After retirement Bernie and Lois spent every summer at their Cedar Lake home in northern Minnesota.
As Lois'' health declined, Bernie turned to his other love – music. He joined the "Old Timers Band" and performed over 300 engagements a year.
When Bernie''s health started to decline, he joined a closer group "The Prairie Drifters" and they would play together until a month ago! Special thanks to Dr. John and Milt for making it all possible.
Bernie is survived by his daughter Diane, son-in-law Steve Bacon, sister, Dorothy Rothfus, brothers, Eric, Richard and Reuben, daughter-in-law, Kim, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Eugene, Larry and Paul, his "special girl" Lois, and best friend Fred Sassatelli.
Bernie was a kind, gentle soul. He loved his family and his country. Bernie was the luckiest cribbage player, a life-long student of music, a good neighbor and the best dad.
The family would like to thank his neighbors – Maggie, Ron and Jeff, the doctors and staff at the V.A. for making his last months as comfortable as possible, especially Dr. Susan Espelund and nurse Toni Hammond.
Visitation will be from 4–7 p.m. at Iles-Westover Chapel on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, July 15, at 11 a.m. at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, with a luncheon to follow. Burial at Highland Memorial Gardens with Military Honors to follow.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League or the Furry Friends Refuge.
Bernie was born July 14, 1920, on a farm in rural Boone County to Albert and Anna Nystrom. The second oldest of eight children, Bernie would leave his one-room schoolhouse in the eighth grade to go to work at a neighboring farm in order to support his large family. It was there that he would meet the girl who would become the love of his life – Lois Daniels.
When World War II broke out, Bernie enlisted in the Army on January 28, 1941, and went on to fight in Northern Africa and Italy. It was in Italy where Bernie would be severely wounded which would eventually cost him is leg. Due to his injuries he was awarded the Purple Heart and Oak Leaf Cluster and was honorably discharged on August 15, 1946.
He came back to Iowa, married Lois and went to work at the V.A. where he stayed until his retirement 42 years later. After retirement Bernie and Lois spent every summer at their Cedar Lake home in northern Minnesota.
As Lois'' health declined, Bernie turned to his other love – music. He joined the "Old Timers Band" and performed over 300 engagements a year.
When Bernie''s health started to decline, he joined a closer group "The Prairie Drifters" and they would play together until a month ago! Special thanks to Dr. John and Milt for making it all possible.
Bernie is survived by his daughter Diane, son-in-law Steve Bacon, sister, Dorothy Rothfus, brothers, Eric, Richard and Reuben, daughter-in-law, Kim, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Eugene, Larry and Paul, his "special girl" Lois, and best friend Fred Sassatelli.
Bernie was a kind, gentle soul. He loved his family and his country. Bernie was the luckiest cribbage player, a life-long student of music, a good neighbor and the best dad.
The family would like to thank his neighbors – Maggie, Ron and Jeff, the doctors and staff at the V.A. for making his last months as comfortable as possible, especially Dr. Susan Espelund and nurse Toni Hammond.
Visitation will be from 4–7 p.m. at Iles-Westover Chapel on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, July 15, at 11 a.m. at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, with a luncheon to follow. Burial at Highland Memorial Gardens with Military Honors to follow.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League or the Furry Friends Refuge.
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2015.07.17
My dad was a World War II veteran who earned the Purple Heart and Oak Leaf cluster for wounds he received in battle. He was an Army vet from the 34th Battalion out of the Boone/Ogden area and at his death he was the last member of his outfit.
Posted by Diane B