Bernard Briese

Bernard ?Butch? Briese was born on December 17, 1938 in Eastern Township, Ottertail County, Minnesota to William and Marie (Notzelman) Briese. He was baptized and confirmed at Mount Calvary Church in Miltona. Butch attended Joy School District 55 in rural Rose City. He went to work for his sister, Verla at Parkers Prairie Produce until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1961. On July 21, 1962 Butch was united in marriage to Roberta ?Birdie? Welch at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. Once Butch was honorably discharged from the Army, the couple made their home in the Minneapolis area. To this union the couple was blessed with one daughter, Kim. Butch went to work as a diesel mechanic for a couple different businesses. In 1977, the family moved to Parkers Prairie where they owned and operated a grocery store, the Parkers Superette. Butch also worked at Parkers Prairie Elementary School as a custodian. In 1999, Butch retired from being a custodian after working there for 20 years. Butch enjoyed being outdoors: hunting, fishing, cutting wood, mowing, and taking drives with his current dogs companions. He also enjoyed watching football, car races and playing cards. Butch died on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria at the age of 72. He is survived by his daughter, Kim (Kevin) Witthuhn of Eden Prairie; grandchildren, Andrew, Grace, Faith and Caleb Witthuhn; sisters, Eleanor (Alden) Mattocks of Alexandria, Verla Guy of Alexandria, and Lillian Hemquist of Parkers Prairie; mother-in-law, Emily Welch of Minnetonka; sisters-in-law, Sue (Jerry) Burmeister of Minnetonka, Marolyn Briese of Los Alamitos, CA; brother-in-law, Marland O?Hern of Brandon; and many nieces and nephews. Butch is preceded in death by his parents, William and Marie; wife, Birdie; siblings, Lucella Conlin, Melvin Briese, Elroy Briese, Ruth O?Hern, Lawrence Briese, Raymond Briese, Arthur Briese and LuAnn Briese. A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Reverend Kirk Lee officiating. Music was provided by organist, Maureen Diedrich and soloist, Dedra Zwieg. Military Honors were provided by the Minnesota National Guard Honors. Inurnment was in the Parkers Prairie Cemetery in Parkers Prairie. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net