Obituary of Bernell O. Reistad

Bernell O. Reistad, Age 89, of Hopkins, passed away on October 11, 2016. Survived by children, Thom (Bridget), Bruce, Julie (Gary), Jim (Mary Kay); grandchildren Blake, Eva, Jimmy; many friends and relatives. Funeral service Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 11 AM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 7217 W. Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park, MN 55428. Visitation one hour prior to service. Internment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Bernie grew up in rural Georgeville, Minnesota, where he was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at Gausdal Lutheran Church. He attended Ringville County School and Belgrade High School. After high school, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served as a Seaman First Class during WWII, honorably discharged in June of 1946. He returned to Minnesota and married Mary Bergman. They moved to Brooklyn Park and raised four children. During this time, Bernie worked as a Foreman in the Bridge and Building Department at the Soo Line Railroad. Mary passed away in January 1988 and he retired shortly after. Bernie met and married Kathy Kawaler, briefly moved to St. Louis Park and then Edina, starting a second career in the Wine and Spirits department at Byerlys. This part-time job turned into 25 years of service that kept him busy, happy and “in the know” on the latest popular wine, spirits and bad jokes. Not being one to slow down, Bernie took a second part-time job (yes, that’s two part-time jobs!) delivering packages, caring for the swimming pool and planting and tending flowers at his apartment complex in Edina. His green thumb was obvious and he was always proud to share his amazing blooms. Kathy passed away in October of 2013. Two years ago, Bernie reluctantly retired (for real) and moved to a senior apartment in Hopkins. He made lots of friends and most recently found a special companion, Jean, who made his smile a lot brighter. You all know Bernie, he was always the first to arrive and the first to leave. He left us just shy of 90, but we all agree it was too soon. He passed away on October 11--the same day that his twin sister, Solvaye, left us last year. Somehow it is the perfect ending.