Vida, Montana – Bernard Edgar Wanderaas, loving Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin and Friend passed away peacefully, at the TenderNest, in Billings, Montana on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
God abundantly blessed Bernard with a very full and beautiful life. God also blessed him with many special qualities that would greatly enrich the lives of so many family and friends. Growing up on the wide open homestead prairies of eastern Montana, would bring Bernard to wear many different hats during his busy 91 years of a life well lived.
Born the fifth child to Norwegian homesteading parents, Alfred and Regina (Christopherson) Wanderaas on June 13, 1924 on the family farm near Vida, he began developing the character, qualities and traits that would serve him and family so well.
Bernard loved to learn! He began his education at Southview School on land donated from his Mother’s homestead in McCone County. He went on to graduate from Wolf Point High School in 1942.
After farming with his parents for two years he volunteered to wear a new hat by enlisting in the US Navy in 1944 just following D-Day. He served his country during World War II as a Gunners Mate, 3rd Class, sailing on the US Navy Minesweeper Caravan in the South Pacific. Upon being honorably discharged in June 1946, Bernard returned home to begin farming again.
He attended Montana State University for agricultural studies. After certifying as an instructor for the Vocational Institutional On-Farm Training for Vets Program he returned to Wolf Point High School to train World War II Vets. It was here he was asked to assist the new Home Economics teacher, Ruth Blair, with repairing her classroom film projector. Not long after that, she became the love of his life and the two were married on October 9, 1952 in Topeka, Kansas and began working and raising a family of seven on the farm that now has involved third and fourth generation family members. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2002.
The years to follow this happy union were filled with the pursuit of farming and raising seven “wild and woolly” children and keeping up with all of their activities, endeavors and educational pursuits. He saw the farm through the transition of many advances and in 1960 he was awarded as the Jaycee Outstanding Farmer of his district. He established a Custom Harvest Operation taking his fleet of New Holland combines as far south as Texas and as far north as Calgary, Alberta in the 70’s and early 80’s. Many of his own children were often part of the crew. He made lifelong friends along the way and even gained a son in law.
In 1986, Bernard and Ruth passed on the mantel of farming to the next generation and began the joys of retirement and time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gardening, travelling, visiting with relatives and time at the family cabin delighted their days. A major highlight came in 1997 when he and Ruth went on a family trip to Norway to see the original Wanderaas farm as well as meet and spend time with his Aunt and cousins.
Sadly his bride of 57 years passed away in January of 2009. Optimistically embracing that life must go on he began the challenge of adjusting to living independently with loving support from family and friends.
In 2012, Bernard was honored to participate in the Big Sky Honor Flight Program to Washington D.C. Accompanied by his son David and neighbor and fellow veteran, Eddie Olson, they visited the World War II Memorial and other monuments. As veterans, Bernard and Eddie, had the additional honor as serving as the Co-Grand Marshals for the 2013 Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede.
In 2013, Bernard’s healthy independent life was set back when he suffered a stroke. Putting on this new hat as a stroke survivor, he rose to meet the challenges that would come with the help of loving family and attentive staff.
Out of all the hats that Bernard wore, the most significant was that of a loving family man and friend.
Survivors include: sons, David Wanderaas (Kim) of Harlowton and Steve Wanderaas (Cathy) of Vida; daughters, Camille Spitzer (Bill), Melody Dobson, and Bernadine Strange (Mike) all of Billings, Bonnie Bohmbach (Clark) of Charlson, North Dakota, and Sylvia Koitmaa (Mark) of San Jose, California; sister-in-law, Rose Mary Gaspari (Dick) of Roseville, California; as well as his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ruth, an infant daughter, sisters, Helen Youst and Nellie Foster, brothers, Arthur, Harold, and Leonard Wanderaas, and son-in-law Terry Dobson.
A family service will be held at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point on Sunday, February 14th at 7 p.m. A Celebration of Bernard’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 15th at First Lutheran Church of Wolf Point, Montana. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery following the service. A luncheon will be held at the church following graveside services. Condolences may be left at www.claytonstevensonchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point, Montana. Should one desire, memorials may be made to Riverstone Hospice Billings, Montana or First Lutheran Church, Wolf Point, Montana or memorials of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Sunday February 14, 2016
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, MT 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 15, 2016
First Lutheran Church
415 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, MT 59201
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Sunday February 14, 2016
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, MT 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 15, 2016
First Lutheran Church
415 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, MT 59201
Brett & Amanda Wisness says
Wanderaas Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Bernard was a wonderful, kind man and will be truly missed. May God help comfort you all during this difficult time.
Brett, Amanda, Wyatt, & Will Wisness
Bob & Ruth Stefonowicz says
Our condolences to Bernard’s family.
Bob is the son of Orpha Christopherson who is the daughter of Carl Christopherson.
We will be there for the family service and funeral.
Pr. Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Steve, Cathy and Paul
Deepest sympathy on the loss pf Bernard. He was always at service if he could make it. I remember him as a gentle person. You all are uplifted in prayer.
May your fond memories and the love and care of friends and your faith give you peace.
Prs. Greg and Chris
tom atkinson says
America lost a good conservative man! Prayers to the Wanderaas Family!
Neasie Williams says
Rest in Peace Uncle Bernard – So sorry for the family’s loss.
Cathi Christopherson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of your father, grandfather and great grandfather. My father Clifford, was a ND cousin and remember meeting Bernard and Ruth many years ago and getting Christmas cards from them every year. Would have liked to be at the service to connect with you all however we are in Arizona for the winter.
So appreciate all David’s work on keeping the family history and keeping our families joined even though the first generation has passed on so many years ago.
The Lamp Family says
To the entire Wanderaas Family,
The Lamp Family is so blessed to have known Bernard and to see how he was completely adored and loved by his family and he completely adored and loved his family right back!! We are lifting you all up in prayers as you celebrate this great man’s life! Love, hugs and God’s blessing and peace be with you! Mike, Jody, Mark & Jessie Lamp
Conrad Weaver says
May God’s peace and love surround and comfort you during this time of loss.
Conrad & Jodi Weaver
Roland Temme says
Melody & family,
My condolences to you and you’re family. What a tribute to you’re father — a son of immigrant parents, who served his country, worked hard to get an education, and gave back in service to others. That’s an American success story. Thanks for sharing. My thoughts & prayers are with you. God’s blessings!
Lorna & Tom Schumacher says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Bernard was a wonderful person and friend.May the peace of Christ be with you through this time and always. The last time I saw your dad was in Havre at Walmart a few years ago on his way to David’s cabin.I had to tell him who I was but we had a great visit .i will never forget that and the friendship we had growing up with you guys. Love and Prayers Lorna and Tom Schumacher
Bruce & Kathy Callahan says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Wanderaas family. We feel lucky to have known Bernard. He and Ruth raised a beautiful family and left a loving legacy. May the Lord hold you all in his loving arms.
Bruce & Kathy Callahan
Doug Mitchell says
I only got to know Bernie from sitting next to him at the Mustangsballgames when his family brought him out. I’m glad he got such loving care from Bernadine and Mike while he was here in Billings. 113K12 Doug Mitchell