Bernard Zimprich, 94, of rural Jessie, ND died Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Griggs County Care Center in Cooperstown, ND.
Bernard was born December 29, 1921 on the family farm near Jessie, ND to Frank and Clara (Pfeifer) Zimprich. He grew up in Tyrol Township where he attended rural school. He met the love of his life, Genevieve Boisjolie, at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jessie. Gen and Bernard were married there October 26, 1943.
As a young man, Bernard began playing drums with some of the other “kids” in the area. Gen and Bernard were known for their dancing skills. They twirled around dance floors across the state, making many friends over the years.
He was a farmer his entire life, raising crops and livestock. After “retiring” from the farm, Bernard still enjoyed trips to check the cattle in the pastures. Bernard was a 4-H leader for many years and served on the Elevator, Livestock, and the Shipping Association boards. He was a lifelong member of St. Lawrence Church where he was a member of various boards over the years. Bernard was also known for his love of Brach’s candy.
Bernard is survived by his wife of 72 years, Gen; sons: David (Judy), Cooperstown, ND, Ronald (Cheryl), Fargo, ND, Russel (Vicki), Cooperstown, ND, Donald (Eunice), Cooperstown, ND, and Neil (Loretta), Rathdrum, ID; daughters: Shirley (Larry) Hanson, Mayville, ND, and Evy (Randy) Ressler, Cooperstown, ND; 23 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren; a sister: Beatrice Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.
Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Mary Beth, brothers Frank and Leonard Zimprich, and sisters Lillian Anton and Evelyn Wilkinson.
Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Jessie, ND. Visitation will be Friday, March 4, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. at Cooperstown Funeral Chapel, Cooperstown, ND, and will continue one hour prior to services in the church. Interment will be in St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery, Jessie, ND.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery of Jessie, ND.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cooperstown Funeral Chapel of Cooperstown, ND.