Bernard Vincent Kayser, age 84

Bernard Kayser

    Bernard Vincent Kayser, age 84, of Alexandria, S.D.,passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at his home while surrounded by his family.
    Bernard “Bernie” Kayser was born Aug. 23, 1931, on a farm outside of Emery to Felix and Sophia (Krier) Kayser. In 1943, his parents moved to a farm in rural Alexandria. He graduated from Alexandria High School in 1950, and Alexandria would remain home for the rest of his life.
    During the Korean War, Bernie was drafted to serve in the United States Army and was stationed in Fort Knox, Ken., from 1952 to 1954.
    On Aug. 23, 1954, he married the love of his life, Carole Ann Jarding, and together they began a lifelong journey of love and commitment that served as a foundation for building and sustaining their family.
    Bernie was dedicated to his family, his Catholic faith and community service.
    He did his best to maintain a joyful home, where family, friends and even strangers were treated as equals and invited to participate in the fellowship of conversation and meals around the dinner table. Bernie took seriously the need to show respect and concern for all people, no matter their vocations or values, and worked to instill that in all of his children and grandchildren.
    When he wasn’t farming or engaged in conversation, Bernie enjoyed woodworking, metal working and reading.
    The devoted, loving relationship that Bernie and Carole maintained for each other and how they were able to project that caring spirit to others was cherished by their family and continues to serve as an example.
    Among the many organizations to which Bernie committed his time were St. Mary of Mercy Church, the Hanson School Board, the Associated School Boards of South Dakota, the Hanson Rural Water Board, the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources, the National Farmers Organization, the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.
    Survivors include his wife, Carole; 14 children: Kevin (Jeanne) Kayser, Alexandria; Nancy (Roy Jr.) Johnson, Bloomfield, Neb.; Keith (Julie) Kayser, Alexandria; David (Sandy) Kayser, Alexandria; Anthony (Katie) Kayser, Sioux Falls; Mary (Ken) Graupmann, Kadoka; Catherine (Jeff) Kellogg, Sioux Falls; Jeanette (Dean) Uher, Mitchell; Donna (Bill) Pfeiffer, Minneapolis, Minn.; Donald (LeAnn) Kayser, Alexandria; Philip (Jodi) Kayser, Alexandria; Jennifer (Dan) Ching, Sioux Falls; Elizabeth (Bill) Delehant, Mitchell; and Kenneth (Kelly) Kayser, Alexandria; 56 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; and four sisters: Leona "Sr. Verna," Geraldine, Rosemary and Frances.
    He was preceded in death by a son, Vincent; two sisters, Verna and Rita; three brothers: Louis, George and Leonard; and four grandchildren.
    Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2016 at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church in Alexandria with Fr. Dana Christian officiating. Burial with military rites will be at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 22, 2016 at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, SD.
    To send an online condolence see www.willfuneralchapel.com
 

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Newsletter feed
Comment Here