Jerry Bernstrom, 71

Jerry Bernstrom, 71, a lifelong Lancaster, Minn., resident and businessman, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022.
Jerry Morris Bernstrom was born at Crookston, Minn., Nov. 26, 1951, the son of Morris and Gloria (Singler) Bernstrom. Jerry attended Lancaster Public School and graduated in 1969. On April 10, 1976, he married Eileen Schultz at Perham, Minn. They settled in Lancaster and Jerry worked at his family’s business, Bernstrom Oil. Jerry took over the business and built in a new location along U.S. Highway #59 in 1990.
He served as the Lancaster Fire Department’s chief for over 20 years and on the board at Prime Security Bank for several years.
Jerry loved time spent with his grandchildren who affectionately called him, “Papa Buns” because of the bread and buns he baked using his mother’s recipe.
Lake trout fishing in Canada was a favorite thing to do, but so was fishing and pontooning on Bad Medicine Lake. Hunting, fishing, curling, riding Ranger and snowmobile with grandchildren were also some of the many things he enjoyed. Jerry was much loved by his family and the community. He will be missed.
Family members include his wife, Eileen; sons, Charlie (Mallory), Lancaster and Evan (Savannah), Lancaster; grandchildren, Axel, Briar, Ruth, Blake, Henry and Harper; sisters, Candy (Doug) Nelson, Lancaster and Holly (Wayne) Koop, Park Rapids, Minn.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. in the Lancaster School. Interment will be in Riverview Memorial Garden Cemetery, Lancaster. Visitation was held at the school for two hours prior to the funeral service. Rev. Andy Graves, presiding; Galen Nordin, obituary; Amanda Caillier and Dianne Rice, pianists. Casket bearers will be Joe Evans, Ron Murphy, Brandon Wallenberg, Dennis Lindquist, Shawn Brede, Tom Sebenaler, Elvin Nerby, Rick Carlson, Pete Kautzman and Rod Jasmer. Honorary Casket Bearers will be The Jasmer Family. Honorary “Papa Lovers” will be Axel, Briar, Ruth, Blake, Henry and Harper.
Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock, is in charge of arrangements. www.austinfuneralchapel.com.