Bernard Joseph Moffenbier

1941 - 2016

Bernard (Bernie) Joseph Moffenbier

August 12, 1941 - July 25, 2016

Salem - Bernard (Bernie) Joseph Moffenbier was born on August 12, 1941 to Bernard and Julia (Dutenhoffer) Moffenbier in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Bernie was a good-natured young man who became an industrious worker, holding three part-time jobs by the time he was 12 years old and attending school full time. At that time, he was a paper boy for the Aberdeen American News, cleaned a barber shop and worked as a bag boy at a local grocery store. After graduating from Aberdeen Central High School in 1960, Bernie enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for four years from 1961 to 1965, being stationed at several bases in Texas and serving more than three years at Reese AFB in Lubbock. He returned to Aberdeen upon an honorable discharge as a Vietnam Era veteran to attend Northern State University for four years, graduating in 1969 with a degree in Business Administration. Bernie became reemployed at Kessler's working full time while attending college and continued as a manager in different departments until his retirement in 2004, more than 50 years after his initial employment.

Bernie first met his wife Shirley Ann Hanley, a college student from Midland, Texas, at the Dairy Mart in Levelland, Texas, and they became reacquainted when she became employed as a civil servant at Reese AFB. Bernie and Shirley were married at St. Elizabeth's Church in Lubbock, Texas, in June 1964 and were blessed with their daughter Dana several years later in South Dakota. When a young man from Illinois named Mike began courting Dana while they were students at Creighton University, he gained favor with Bernie by gifting him an official Dallas Cowboys football signed by the 1996 players and coaches. Faith, family, friends, and a hard work ethic sustained them throughout the years and it was with great anticipation they welcomed their first granddaughter Julia in Oklahoma before retiring to New Mexico where they delighted in the birth of their second granddaughter Amelia. By summer of 2008, they moved to Salem, Oregon, and found themselves blessed with a grandson named Stuart. It was a profound joy to be close to the family and be privileged to bask in the graciousness of life in the beautiful Willamette Valley.

An avid golfer, Bernie golfed several times a week in retirement and made many good friends in both Farmington NM and Salem OR on the golf courses. A list of how he personally cared for all three of his grandchildren would be endless: building blocks, blowing bubbles, pitching balls, coloring pictures, doing puzzles, picking them up from school, taking them to sports practice, proudly attending music performances and recitals. He was very fond of verbally sparring with anyone who would engage, most especially his grandchildren by posing nonsensical comments to challenge their viewpoints. Bernie never lost his keen sense of humor and a quick wit sustained him, inevitably inspiring others to laugh. Bernie's love of planting and nurturing flowers, working diligently both in the yard and in the house and keeping everything about him neat and tidy was reflective of his sense of assigning God-given talents a bountiful purpose. His Catholic faith never wavered and the bond with his family was endearingly special.

Bernie is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Dana A. and Michael J. McLaughlin, granddaughters Julia and Amelia, and grandson Stuart. Also surviving are brother Don (Gerry) Moffenbier of Aberdeen, South Dakota, sister Mary Snyder of Jamestown, North Dakota, sisters-in-law Millie Moffenbier of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Carol Moffenbier of Aberdeen, South Dakota, as well as several nieces and nephews including niece Carrie (Alan) Town of Keizer, OR whose love and support have been invaluable since the time of Bernie's stomach cancer diagnosis. A special visit only a week ago by his nephew Jamie Farness from Minneapolis made Bernie very happy. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Duane, younger brother Jerry and brother-in-law John Snyder.

The family is thankful for the friendship and support of so very many good friends everywhere they called home. The wonderfully kind and insightful care of Dr. Bud Pierce assisted by the outstanding personnel at Hematology Oncology facilitated endurance of the trauma of serious illness. Heartfelt gratitude must also be expressed to each and every staff member at Salem Health ER and Hospital on the several occasions Bernie was admitted. Everyone was courteous and competent in a caring manner that not only tended to Bernie's needs but comforted us personally. Salem Fire Department and Ambulance Service, too, were prompt and efficient in making sure Bernie's symptoms were treated while ensuring safe transport. Great teamwork by great health care workers is an incomparable compliment to the whole Salem community.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Friday, July 29, 2016 at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service. Recitation of the Rosary will be 10:15am on Saturday, July 30, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers contributions may be given in Bernie's name to the Cassavant Oregon Fund at St. Joseph Catholic Church.