Bernard Lees

Bernard F. Lees died peacefully on October 4, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society in Pine River, MN. Bernie was born on October 29, 1929, to John and Mary (Schmidt) Lees in North Branch, MN.

Bernie served in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer from 1948-49 and 1950-53. He served on the USS Walke during the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart. He married Joyce Peterson in San Diego, CA, on October 7, 1950. He was a ceramic tile setter by trade from 1953 until his retirement in 1991. He and Joyce built their home on lake property where Bernie lived until entering the Heritage House in Pequot Lakes last year. Bernie and Joyce were active members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Backus where he served as Head Elder for several years.

Bernie was preceded in death by wife, Joyce; daughter, Sandra Niosi; step daughter, Cheryl; great grandson, Noah; and five siblings. He is survived by wife, Lois (Johnson) Lees; children, Bruce Lees (Dawn), Kimberley Pfaff (Pastor Rick); eight grandchildren: Erik Lees (Christine), Lindsay Carpenter (Stewart), Chris Niosi (Paula), Sheila Al-Seltani (Mike), Clinton Niosi (Claire), Andrew Pfaff (Phuong), Benjamin Pfaff (Trina), Peter Pfaff (Ryoko); five great grandchildren: Jonah Carpenter, Jackie Niosi, Nuraine Al-Seltani, Jeffers Al-Seltani, Caleb Pfaff; step children, Barbara Hutsell (Rick), Jim Nelson (Tara); step grandchildren: Josh Olson (Jeannette), Catie Haag (Hans), Matthew; and step great grandchildren: Erika Stai, Alex Olson, Eva Olson, and Briney Haag.

Funeral service will be 2 PM on Wednesday, October 7, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Backus, with Rev. Stephan Rutherford officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with military honors will follow immediately at Evergreen Cemetery, Backus. Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Backus.