Bernard "Bernie" Benedict Bastian

Bernie Bastian, 85, of North Mankato, passed away on February 13, 2023 at his home. Bernie was born in New Ulm, MN, and grew up on a farm in West Newton Township between New Ulm and Fairfax, MN. He overcame the challenge of cancer as a teenager to live a long, good life. He married his loving wife, Marilyn (Gleisner), in 1963, and soon after they started a family. Marilyn and Bernie lovingly raised four sons -Tom, John, Dan, and Greg.

Visitation will be held from 4-7pm, Friday, February 24, 2023 at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be 11am, Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Reception will continue at Mankato Golf Club after the burial. Please share a memory of Bernie and watch his service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com.

The family prefers memorials be directed to The Schola Foundation (https://scholafoundation.org/giving) or Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Bernie was a dedicated husband, father, and overall family man. He and Marilyn were married over 59 years. Over the years, Bernie sat through many of his sons’ sporting events - including several boring baseball games. He often sincerely would tell his sons “good game” after a game, even when, as Greg would say, they struck out three times. He was simply a good-natured and positive person. Bernie used his personality in a long career as a friendly, customer-centered banker, primarily in North Mankato. His banking philosophy was “if you treat the customer well, the business will take care of itself.” In addition to family and work, Bernie was heavily involved in the community (Holy Rosary Church and School, Loyola High School, Serra Club, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Aid, Sertoma, United Way). He also enjoyed playing cards with his friends and grandchildren (Bridge, Pfeffer, etc.), golf, polka music, and spending time with friends.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Louis (1986) and Nora (1989); and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; their four sons, many grandchildren, and one great-grandchild: Tom (wife, Ann; sons, Max and Sam), John (wife, Nelsonja; daughter, Allison; sons, Luke and Michael; grandson, Dylan), Dan (wife, Angie; daughter, Aunikah; son, Tripp), Greg (wife, Jennifer; sons, Henry, Oliver, and Louis). He also is survived by his siblings, Willard (Joanne), Bernadette (Fred), Jerome (Myra); and numerous, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Bernie lived a good life and made a difference in people’s lives.