Bernard Arnold Norland

Bernard Arnold Norland, age 92 of Nixa, Missouri, went to be with the Lord August 2, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Norland. They were united in marriage on June 25, 1955, and were blessed to have 70 glorious years together.

Bernard, also called Bernie, was born June 4, 1933, in Madison, Wisconsin to Thor and Myrtle Norland. He graduated high school at Madison West and then graduated Chicago Bible College in 1956 in pastoral studies. He pastored at Grand Detour Union Church in Grand Detour, Illinois, Arena Congregational Church in Arena, Wisconsin, and Madison Gospel Tabernacle (which became Lake City Church) in Madison, Wisconsin. After retiring from pastoring, He and his wife Donna also served in pastoral and lay ministry in McAllen, Texas, and in Nixa, Missouri.

Bernie was known for his kindness, personal counseling, and ministry to individuals. He was a wonderful loving husband, father, and grandfather. He shared his faith at every opportunity to his family and to everyone he came in contact with. He was an example of a Godly man who lived his faith, and we all know he has already heard, “Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant.” from his loving Father in Heaven.

Bernard was gifted in working with his hands and had a natural talent for carpentry, often building and fixing things with care and precision. He was also a skilled guitarist and vocalist who enjoyed sharing music with others. In retirement, he and his beloved wife Donna loved traveling in their RV and spending time camping together, making lasting memories along the way.

Bernard is survived by his five children: Timothy (Nadine) Norland, Elizabeth (Leonard) Smith, Patricia (Michael) Graper, Brenda (Jeff) Frederick, Jeremy Norland; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Pat Ellestad and Myra Gorsline.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thor and Myrtle Norland; and one brother, John Norland.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri with Reverend Leonard Smith officiating. A graveside service will follow at McConnell Bledsoe Cemetery, Nixa, Missouri. Visitation will precede the funeral service at 10:00 a.m.