Bernard "Bernie" Dorn

Bernard “Bernie” Math Dorn, the son of Harry and Barbara (Klimek) Dorn, was born on a farm in Leaf Mountain Township on October 7, 1931.  Bernie attended country grade school in Leaf Mountain Township until the 8th grade.  He worked on his parent’s farm until he enlisted into the United States Army.  Bernie proudly served his country during the Korean War from 1953 to 1954.  After the service, Bernie returned to the Urbank area and bought two farms.  He took pride in his farms, his livestock, and the crops he grew.  Bernie retired from farming and sold his farms in 1986 before moving to Alexandria.  Bernie began to work at the Alexandria Technical School as a custodian from 1987 until his retirement in 1999.

After dating Blanche Koep for about 10 years, Bernie and Blanche were united in marriage on July 19, 1973.  Later that year, they welcomed their little daughter Lori to their family of 5 children: Linda, Stanley, Harlan, Alan, and Harold.  Bernie and Blanche loved to go dancing, work in their gardens, and can the vegetables they grew.  They also enjoyed playing cards and held many card parties with neighbors and friends over the years.

Bernie was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed duck and deer hunting, fishing, and spending time on his farm.  His most enjoyable times were spent with his wife and family.  He loved to have his family camp at the farm, take his grandchildren on hayrides, and visit with family and friends.  Gardening was a favorite pastime for Bernie.  He grew huge crops of onions and tomatoes that he shared with many.  Some words that best describe Bernie would be kind, hardworking, polite, and a big man with a heart of gold.  He will be forever loved and missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.

Bernard M. Dorn died on Monday, January 13, 2020 at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Fergus Falls, MN at the age of 88 years old.  He is survived by his loving wife, Blanche Dorn of Alexandria; children, Lori (Chris) Wittkamp of Garfield, Linda Rosenow of Osakis, Alan Koep of Osakis and Harold Koep of Alexandria; and; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; grand dog, Cooper; brothers, Edward Dorn of Hoyt Lakes and George Dorn of St. Cloud; sister-in-law, Hildy Dorn of Fergus Falls; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Stanley Koep and Harlan Koep; grandchildren, Krystal Koep and Karina Koep; daughter-in-law, Lori Koep; son-in-law, Terry Rosenow; sister, Delores Dorn; and brothers, Joseph Dorn and David Dorn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 11 AM at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria, MN.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 4-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Entombment will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Full military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, American Legion Post #87, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #936, Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #235, and the Marine Corps League Detachment #1409.