Bernard Peter Kerkvliet, age 73, of Hutchinson, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, at his home.

He was born July 27, 1938, in Larchwood, IA, the son of Gerard B. "GB" and Emma (Kerkhove) Kerkvliet. Bernard was baptized as an infant at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Larchwood, and confirmed in his faith as a youth.

He received his education in Larchwood, and was a graduate of the Larchwood High School class of 1956.

Bernard entered active military service in the United States Navy July 26, 1956, and served his country as a machinery repairman during the Cold War. He received an honorable discharge June 16, 1959.

Bernard was united in marriage to Mary Ann Richter June 17, 1961, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rock Valley, IA. This marriage was blessed with four sons: Mark, Gary, Stephen and Timothy.

Bernard and Mary Ann resided in Sioux Falls, SD; and moved to Hutchinson in 1973.

Bernard was employed at Schwartz Manufacturing in Lester Prairie, and at Damnow Inc. in Winsted, as the director of manufacturing. He was also employed with his son, Stephen's company, KVC, in Chanhassen, as a computer programmer from 1998, until he retired in 2010.

He attended St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson, where he served on the parish council, the diocesan council, and the building committee. Bernard and his wife, Mary Ann were instrumental in establishing Eucharistic Adoration at St. Anastasia.

Bernard was also a member of the Hutchinson Knights of Columbus and American Field Service.

He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and traveling, making several pilgrimages to Medjugorje, Bosnia- Herzegovina, the former Yugoslavia. Bernard especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Kerkvliet of Hutchinson; sons Mark Kerkvliet and his wife, Katy of Harwood, ND, Gary Kerkvliet and his wife, Janet of Cockeysville, MD, Stephen Kerkvliet and his wife, Laurie of Chanhassen, and Timothy Kerkvliet and his wife, Polly of Hutchinson; AFS son, Sam Aning and his wife, Merci of Ghana, West Africa, now of Hackensack, NJ; grandchildren, Amanda Richards and her husband, Ian; Amber Kerkvliet, Stephanie Kerkvliet, Peter Kerkvliet, and Ashley Kerkvliet; and great-grandchildren Gabriel Richards, and Alasia Kerkvliet.

Bernard is further survived by his siblings, Sister Mary Rose of Littleton, CO, Charles Kerkvliet of Riverdale, UT, Dorothy Wieczorek and her husband, Wayne of Sioux Falls, SD, Leo Kerkvliet and his wife, Shirley of Madison, TN, Claire Tieszen and her husband, Ray, and Helen Honomichl, all of Sioux Falls, SD, and Francis Kerkvliet and his wife, Robin of Lester Prairie; brother-in-law Francis Richter and his wife, Linda of Weslaco, TX; nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerard B. "GB" and Emma Kerkvliet; a grandchild in infancy; sisters-in-law Cathy Kerkvliet and Lynn Kerkvliet; and brothers-in-law William and Joseph Richter in infancy.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place Monday, Feb. 27 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. Father Jerry Meidl, Father Germaine Rademacher, Father Jim Deegan, and Father Al Svobodny officiated at the Mass. The organist was Gene McMahon; eulogist, Stephen Kerkvliet; readers, Katy Kerkvliet, and Laurie Kerkvliet; intentions, Janet Kerkvliet. Song leaders were Patti Cogley and Bobbi Ludewig, who sang "Ave Maria." Other musical selections were "How Great Thou Art," "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman," "On Eagle's Wings," and "Battle Hymn Of The Republic." Stephanie Kerkvliet, Peter Kerkvliet, and Ashley Kerkvliet were gift bearers. Interment followed at St. Anastasia Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Hutchinson, with military honors provided by the Hutchinson memorial Rifle Squad.

Casket bearers were Mark Kerkvliet, Gary Kerkvliet, Stephen Kerkvliet, Timothy Kerkvliet, James Popp, Michael Tarrell, Sam Aning, and Bob Honomichl.

Arrangements were by the Dobratz-Hantge Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com; click on Obituaries/Guest Book.

Memorials are preferred to Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN.

Source - Herald Journal - Feb, 2012