Bernd Rilk

Bernd Rilk, aged 85, of West Valley City, Utah passed away on January 25, 2026.

Born on July 24, 1940, in Erfurt Germany. Bernd spent his early years at his Oma and Opa's house as often as possible, eating as many sweets as he could. He also enjoyed building many different things with his brother by his side.

In 1958 Bernd escaped East Germany with his parents and brother. He would stay in West Germany for a few years with his family, but in 1961 he would move to America in search of a better life. After being in America for a few months and speaking very little English, Bernd joined the US Army. This was a choice that would turn into a career that would last more than 30 years, finally retiring in 1998 as a CW3. He was very proud of his service to this country, including being deployed to Operation Desert Storm.

In 1970 Bernd would meet the love of his life, Linda Walkenhorst. They would marry on February 26, 1971. Together they would have 2 children, Christian and Alexander. As a family they would travel the world. This included trips to Europe, many Cruises, trips to Asia and many trips across the states. Besides traveling, Bernds favorite thing to do was watch his boys play soccer, he was always there, and you could always hear him cheering for his boys and their teams.

In 1980 Bernd took a job at Hercules, his outstanding work ethic allowed him to work his way up to machine shop foreman. After 18 years of dedicated work he would retire in 1998. After staying home for 2 years Bernd would take a job teaching classes at Hill Air Force Base. He would stay at this job for 10 years before retiring in 2010.

In retirement one of Bernd's greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. Tabitha, Gavin, Jarred and Danika. He loved watching them grow, and especially every time they would visit. Another joy of his was his yearly trips to Las Vegas with his wife Linda, son Alex and his family.

Bernd lived a wonderful life with his family and friends. His work ethic and knowledge was a pillar of strength for his family.

Bernd is preceded in death by his parents Helmut and Else Rilk; his son Christian Rilk, and Branden Reynolds.

Bernd is survived by his wife, Linda Rilk; his son Alex Rilk, his wife Tirzah, and their children Tabitha and Gavin; Grandchildren Jarred Jackson (Danielle, Ian, Niklaus, and Hunter) and Danika Rilk; his brother Udo Rilk (Olga Rilk); and his niece Tanja Covington.

Services will be held on Monday February 9, at St Martin de Porres Catholic Church, at 3pm. A military burial will be held on Tuesday February 10, at 1pm at Camp Williams.