Bernard B. ‘Bernie’ Ellsworth, 74, loving husband, father and grandfather of Waskish, Minn., passed away peacefully on July 24, 2009, at the V.A. Medical Center, Fargo, ND. Bernard was one of eight children, born to Lester and Evelyn (Jackson) Ellsworth on December 12, 1934, in International Falls, Minn.
He served in the US Army with the Tk Co 60th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
On May 2, 1959, he married Carol Winjum in Moorhead, Minn. Recently they celebrated their 50th anniversary with family and friends.
In 1962 they moved to International Falls where they lived until 1970. They then owned a farm in Fosston, Minn. until 1975. Later they returned to International Falls where they resided until he retired from Boise Cascade in 1999.
They made their retirement home in Waskish on Upper Red Lake. Bernard enjoyed woodworking, trophy fishing and evenings around the campfire with family and friends. His grandchildren were the light of his life and they had many adventures together.
Bernard and Carol spent the last six winters in the warm Arizona sunshine making many new friends. Bernard was always sharing great stories over many cups of coffee.
Bernard is survived by his wife, Carol; two daughters, Christine Anderson of Conde, SD and Brenda (Bill) Knutson of Glenwood Springs, CO; four grandchildren, Shana and Mitchel Wright and Warren and Brooke Knutson; three brothers, Gifferd Ellsworth of Hanes, OR, Arnold (Karen) Ellsworth of Castlerock, WA and Lynn (Shelly) Ellsworth of Galvin, WA; three sisters, Enid Carr of Wirt, MN; Lolita Adams of Baudette, MN and Robin (Al) Adams of Greenville, NC and sister-in-law, Marilyn Ellsworth of Libby, MT along with many nieces and nephews.
Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith Ellsworth; two sisters-in-law Dahlia (Arnold) Ellsworth and Kathy (Jay) Evans; two brothers-in-law, Lester (Enid) Carr and Grant (Lolita) Adams and one nephew, Dirk Ellsworth.
A special thank you to the doctors and CLC unit nurses at the VA Medical Center for their compassion, humor, and expertise in helping Bernie maintain his dignity during his last months.
Memorial gathering conducted one hour before the service.
Memorial service conducted Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, Minn.