Donald Bernard

Donald Bernard

1928 - 2026

Donald L. Bernard, age 97, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth, MN.

Don was born in 1928 to Clarence and Amy Bernard in Frazee, MN. When he was a child, the family moved to the Grand Rapids, MN area. He graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1946 and worked in the Oliver Mines until starting at Blandin Paper Company 1963-90, retiring as a millwright supervisor. Don was united in marriage to Arlene Winberg in Grand Rapids, MN on March 19, 1948. Don and Arlene made their home in the Wendigo area since June 1948. He loved fishing, duck hunting, traveling, woodworking, men's club at church, and square dancing for Itasca Twirlers. He was an accomplished hockey player starting when he was young and played well into adulthood. After he was done playing, he rarely missed a Rapids home game and was a season ticket holder for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 71 years, Arlene; and siblings, Doris Rondeau, and Nancy McDougall.

Don is survived by his daughters, Carolyn (Len) Swanberg of Chetek, WI, Kathleen (Michael) Gunderson of Grand Rapids, MN; sons, Thomas Bernard and Douglas Bernard both of Grand Rapids, MN; sister, Mary Bernard of Grand Rapids, MN; brother, David (Leona) Bernard of Grand Rapids, MN; 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM Funeral Service at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MN. Reverends Patrick Lovejoy and William Zeige will officiate. Burial will be at the Harris Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.