BERNARD RUSSELL "BERNIE" PITHAN

Bernard "Bernie" Russell Pithan was born in Storm Lake, Iowa, April 2, 1955, the son of Virgil John and Maxine Helen Roggow Pithan. He was baptized in infancy at the Buena Vista County Hospital in Storm Lake and later confirmed in his Christian Faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. During his early years the family lived in Cherokee, Mapleton, Sioux Center and Storm Lake, Iowa where his father was a teacher and coach. In 1970, they moved to Denison, Iowa, where Bernie graduated with the class of 1974. Following high school, Bernie moved to Colorado with his friend Jay and they worked together in the carpet business. He then went on to work in Minnesota before enlisting in the United States Navy where he served his country from 1976 until 1980.

After his discharge from the service Bernie enrolled in the University of Iowa in Iowa City where he studied art for four years.

Following his education Bernie lived in Florida for 7 years immersed in doing photography. He spent the next years between Denison and Branson before going to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he was employed in the Security Department for the University of Tennessee. Later Bernie moved to Forsyth, Missouri, where he has resided for the last 5 years.

Living in the Ozarks allowed Bernie the opportunity to pursue his lifelong passions of hunting, fishing and enjoying nature. He was an artist, enjoying all forms of art, sculpting and woodworking. An animal lover, Bernie loved his dogs and enjoyed horseback riding.

Bernie died September 24, 2014, at his home in Forsyth, Missouri. At the time of his death he had attained the age of 59 years, 5 months and 22 days.

He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Pithan.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include his mother, Maxine Pithan of Denison, Iowa; one brother, Gregory Pithan of Davenport, Iowa, other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 2, 2014, with the Rev. David Loeschen officiating. Music for the service was provided by Rachel Greene and Catherine Dwine singing "This Little Light of Mine" and "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" with Karen Kahl serving as organist. Following the service the family invited everyone to join them for fellowship and a luncheon at Cronks in Denison. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com, Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.