Bernard D Heller

Bernard Dean Heller, age 76, of Mankato died Friday, November 13, 2009 at Autumn Grace in Mankato.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 16, 2009 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mankato with Rev. John Petersen, officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m., Sunday at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service at church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Christ the King Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Association.

Bernard was born June 12, 1933 to Frank and Clara (Annenson) Heller in Emmetsburg, IA. He grew up in Iowa and married Marlys Nyhus on March 1, 1953 in Lake Mills, IA. He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953-55. He then attended Waldorf College for two years and then Mankato State where he received his B.S. degree in Industrial Arts. He taught Industrial Arts at Nicollet High School and driver's education for 20 years before retiring. He continued to own and manage rental properties after retiring. Bernard was a charter member of Christ the King and served on the first church council. He was also a member of American Legion Post 11 and the Sons of Norway. He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Bernard is survived by his wife, Marlys of Mankato; three children, Angie (Mike) Cofield of Mankato, Bob Heller of Faribault, and Sara (Bob) Heller-Zimprich of Austin; grandchildren, Ketturah Gemlo, Timothy Gemlo, Clara Cofield, Margaret Cofield, Rory Cofield, and Addy Jo Cofield; brother, Herb (Dorothy) Heller of Sarasota, FL; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruth Green; and two brothers, Perry and Kenneth Heller.