Michael L. Bernstetter

Michael Bernstetter died at the age of 73 years old on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at his home at Southview Acres in West Saint Paul, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 2 at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Father Matthew Kuhn.  A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Thursday, June 1 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria as well as one hour prior to services on Friday.

Michael “Mike, Mikie” Louis Bernstetter was born at Wesley Hospital (now Tri-County Hospital) in Wadena, MN on April, 30, 1950 to Louie and Marcella (Marcie Pitzl) Bernstetter.  He grew up on the family farm in Sebeka, MN and attended St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Bluegrass, MN.  He graduated from Sebeka High School in 1968 and Wadena Vocational Technical College (now MN State Community and Technical College) with his electrical lineman certificate in 1969.  He worked for Alexandria Light & Power for nearly 40 years serving as a lineman and purchasing and safety agent.  He also served as a volunteer firefighter and with the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years rising to the rank of 2nd Assistant Fire Chief.  His hobbies included hunting, fishing, cooking, wine making, meat smoking, and woodworking.  He volunteered as a board member for the MN Deer Hunters Association and the Alexandria Elks.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Marcie.  He is survived by his children Christina (Emmanuel) Akolly, Cheryl (Edgard) Maboudou-Tchao, and Chad (Bobbie) Bernstetter, grandchildren Lydia Akolly, Alexander Akolly, Claire Akolly, Dodji Maboudou-Tchao, Arianna Maboudou-Tchao, Teagan Bernstetter and Carter Bernstetter, brothers Dennis (Lynn) and Joseph (Christine) Bernstetter, sister Mary Beth (Mark) Brockpahler, former spouse Janice Heltemes, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary memorials for funeral expenses.