Bernard Joseph Thier

BERNARD JOSEPH THIER, age 85, of Rushmore, died Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was born May 19,1940 on the family farm in Olney Township west of Rushmore, Minnesota to Cyril and Isabel (Ahlers) Thier. As soon as Bernard's feet touched the ground and he could walk, his love for farming and agriculture began. Driven by a strong work ethic and a deep respect for the land, he dedicated his life to mastering the art and science of agriculture, from planting and cultivating crops to raising cattle. Saying he loved to farm does not nearly describe Bernard's passion for agriculture and farming. Besides the love of his family, he was always happiest seeing the sunrise as he fed his cattle in the morning and seeing the sunset after a hard day's work.

Bernard met the love of his life, Diane Deutsch, in eighth grade when he saw her across the room on the first day of school and told his friends, "That's the girl I'm going to marry," True to his word, Bernard and Diane were united in marriage on November 19, 1960. Not long after marrying, they bought a turkey farm near Rushmore, MN and transformed it into the successful cattle farm it is today. Bernard was forever grateful for having a loving spouse who stood by his side through all of life's adventures. He and Diane shared countless laughs, loved playing pinochle together, and hosted the best gatherings with friends and family. They were happily married for 64 wonderful years. On the day that would have marked their 65th wedding anniversary, Diane reached out to Bernard to be with her, honoring the lasting love they shared.

He was a devoted member of Saint Adrian Catholic Church, where his faith and family were central to his life. A long-time member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph Society, Bernard also counseled couples preparing for marriage through Marriage Encounter, served on various boards, taught religious education classes, and became a respected pillar of his community. It was well known that anyone in need could count on Bernard–whether it was working cattle, harvesting, needing fuel, being pulled out of a snowbank or a ditch, or simply needing a ride or a kind word. His thoughtfulness never faltered, and he never turned away anyone who needed a helping hand. For more than sixty years, Bernard devoted his life to his farm near Rushmore. He found purpose and peace in the rhythm of farm life, always finding something to fix, build or improve. He was a self-made engineer without a degree in making something out of nothing. On Sunday afternoons he was often found at the kitchen table with an erector set, thoughtfully sketching out solutions to problems only he had noticed. Bernard had the sharp mind and practical wisdom that made him the most accomplished engineer in the family–a man whose creativity and determination left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Bernard is survived by his children; Kim (Lane) Bullerman, Adrian; Julie (Jerry) Brake, Wilmont; Laura (Matt) Schoen, Delano; David (Ann) Thier, Rushmore; Jodi (James) Kramer, St. Cloud; fifteen grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Bernard is also survived by his sisters; Virginia (Robert) Knips, Eileen (Eugene) Hokeness, Betty (Delbert) Gonnerman, brothers; Dick (Alice) Thier, Donald (Barbara) Thier, sisters-in-laws; Deloris Kruger and Bev Thier; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; his parents, Cyril and Isabel; father and mother-in-law, Albert and Leona Deutsch; brothers, Gerald, Cyril Jr. and Leo Thier; sister, Mary Ann; brothers and sisters-in-laws; Robert Knips, Eugene Hokeness, Harold Kruger, Jim Roemeling, Germaine Roemeling and Joni Thier.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 24, from 4-7 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 4pm, at St. Adrian Catholic Church, in Adrian; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Adrian Catholic Church, in Adrian, MN with Monsignor Richard Colletti officiating. Burial will be in the St. Adrian Cemetery.

Dingmann Funeral Home, in Adrian, is in charge of arrangements.