Cornell Joseph "Cory" Bercier

BOTTINEAU, NORTH DAKOTA- Cory Bercier, age 79, of Bottineau, ND, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND.
Cornell "Cory" Joseph Bercier was born on November 30, 1946, in Rolla, ND to John J. and Metha (Parisien) Bercier. He is the third of ten siblings. He was raised in Belcourt, baptized and confirmed at St. Ann's Catholic Church and attended school there until the eighth grade. He spent his days growing up with his brothers and sisters dreaming of being a cowboy. Cory graduated form Belcourt High School, an accomplished athlete in track, football, and basketball. He furthered his education at college in Dickinson on a track scholarship. As the Vietnam War loomed, Cory enlisted in the United States Navy in May 1968 and received honorable discharge in October 1969. He was united in marriage to Nancy Law from Rolette in 1974, and together they had a daughter, Michelle. Cory worked as a contractor in the early 1970's and 80's, living in Custer, SD, and working for the Forest Service. He also owned and operated his own lumber mill in the Black Hills. He later moved to Sidney, MT, working for Jeff Kelly and his uncle Ray Bercier in an auto body shop. Cory then worked for PCS Concrete with Danny Longie and Randy Azure.
In 1994 after he had "seen all he wanted to see." he moved back to the Turtle Mountains and his life changed forever when he began working for Indian Health Services where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Kaylor) "Susie". They married on October 16, 1997, in Rolla and bought a ranch near Bottineau where they raised rodeo AQHA and APHA horses, making hay, and living the cowboy's dream. They were each other's best friends for over 32 years. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. Cory spent numerous afternoons taking care of his beloved horses, Woodrow, and Blue, who were named after his favorite movie characters from Lonesome Dove. He took extra pride in his home, and his lawn which he cut immaculately, a trait from his father, John, as he also was teased for. Cory had a kind, and gentle soul who could give rock solid advice with a 99% accuracy rate. Cory retired from IHS in 2016 after over 22 years of federal service.
Cory had a contagious laugh and a sense of humor that made him instant friends with all who met him and was a favorite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews. His brothers all claim that he was their rock and their best friend. He was especially proud of his daughter, Michelle, as well as the boys that made him a grandfather, Luke and Cole. Cory had a deep devotion to his catholic faith, and he will be forever missed by his wife; daughters; grandchildren; siblings; family members; and friends. Please keep them in your continued prayers.
Cory is survived by his wife, Susie Bercier of Bottineau,ND; his daughter, Michelle (Robert) Huff of Paul, Idaho; step-children, Claudette (Ken) Mitz of Minot,ND and Jeremy (Bobbi) Kuhnhenn of Towner, ND; grandsons, Luke Huff and Cole Huff; step-grandchildren, Blair Kuhnhenn, Brooke and Brock Bailey, and Destin and Jersey Mitz; his siblings, Delilah (Joseph) Gourneau of Aberdeen, ND, Lyman (Bonnie) Bercier of Rolla, ND, Ivan (Carmen) Bercier of Argusville, ND, Connie (Jeff) Reuer of Aberdeen, SD, Jovita Keegan of Bismarck, ND, Dawn (Chuck) Muth of Aberseen, SD, John Jr. (Marilyn) Bercier of Aberdeen, SD, and Alan Bercier of Belcourt, ND; and many nieces and nephews.
Cory was preceded in death by his parents, John and Metha Bercier; and his sister, Monica Bercier-Wickre.
A special thank you to the Bottineau County Sheriff's office, St. Andrew's Hospital staff, Bottineau Ambulance Service, and Trinity Hospital staff for all of your care shown to Cory and his family.
A graveside committal service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Paul Cemetery, located at 550 W 100 N, in Paul, with the Rev. Father Camilo Garcia as celebrant.
Funeral services were previously held at 10 a.m. March 2, 2026, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Belcourt, North Dakota. Military rites were provided by the Lilley-Dionne American Legion and the Navy Military Funeral Honor Guard of Fargo, North Dakota.