Bernard 'Bernie' Irwin, 95, rural Minot, died Wednesday, July 6, 2016, in a Bismarck nursing home.

Bernard was born December 18, 1920, in Freedom Township of Ward County in North Dakota to Claude and Marian (Seney) Irwin. He was reared on the family farm and attended country school in the South Prairie area.

Bernie enlisted in the US Navy on September 9, 1942. He was part of the crew that commissioned the USS Bushnell in 1942. During his military service he served on the USS San Clemente and USS Stratford. Bernard received his honorable discharge on January 9, 1946 as a Quartermaster Second Class. He made his home in Minot and was employed at Nash Finch as a salesperson for five years.

Bernie married Laurel Bunker on September 26, 1948 in Minot, ND. They built a bungalow on Soo Street in 1950 where they resided. Bernie attended Molar Barber College in Fargo. He returned to Minot and was employed at the City Barbershop. Bernie established Bernie's Barber Shop on North Hill in 1968 and was self employed until his retirement in 2001. Also, Bernie purchased the family farm in 1964 and made improvements to allow the family to begin residing there in 1975. Bernie and Laurel moved to Mandan in 2015.

Bernie was a member of First Assembly of God, Minot, serving as an usher and Sunday School teacher. Bernie's faith became real and steadfast in 1955 during some revival services. He studied the bible fervently, putting scripture to memory. He also belonged to the VFW Club and American Legion of Minot. Bernard was an avid hunter and fisherman enjoying all the outdoors had to offer. He played softball, enjoyed reading and loved to travel with his family. He also enjoyed Draft and Quarter horses, pony teams and his cattle.

His loving family includes his wife of 67 years, Laurel, Mandan, ND; children, Linda Reid, Canton, OH and Bruce (Wenjin) Irwin, Mandan, ND; grandchildren, Andrea (Craig) Calkens, Levi (Katherine) Reid, Hannah (James) Browning, Lisa (Jason) McInerney and Philip (Suzanne) Irwin; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Samuel and Joel Calkins, Theo and Haley Reid, Eliza Browing, Ezra and Leo St. Marie, and Benmont and Corbin Irwin; sisters-in-law, Marcella Irwin and Ethel Irwin, both of Minot and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Blanche Sayes and Opal Rovig and brothers, Roy, Lynn, Albert and Willard Irwin.

Celebration of the Life of Bernie Irwin: Monday, July 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in First Assembly of God, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.
Visitation: Sunday, July 10, 2016, from noon until 3:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.