Bernard J. Meyer, 80, of Harlow, ND,  died Monday, April 30, 2012, at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.   Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 5, 2012, 11:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Leeds with Fr. Joseph D'Aco, celebrant.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7pm with a 7 pm prayer service at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds.  Casket bearers will be:  Jon Hermanson,  Harvey Nerpel,  Billy Harkness,  Lewis Duffey,  Danny Erickson,  Dennis Risovi and David Piatz.  Music will be from the church choir with Doris Michaels, organist.

Bernard James Meyer was born on October 26, 1931, to Joseph Meyer and Elizabeth Shery Meyer in Butte Valley Township on the farm that was homesteaded in the early 1900s near Harlow. Bernard was the youngest of seven children born to Joseph and Elizabeth.  He attended school in Harlow. Bernard married Jean Elverude of Churchs Ferry on September 1, 1955, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brinsmade.  They made their home on the original Meyer homestead raising Black Angus cattle and hogs, plus small grains, for over 50 years.  In recent years they had retired and rented out the land, although they continued to live on the farm.

Bernard was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church of Leeds serving on the Parish Council as well as being involved in many other church activities.  His family received the Apostolic Blessing from the Pope in 1983.  He was also involved and served on the board of the North Dakota Pork Producers; was a member of the North Dakota and American Angus Associations; was a member and director for Benson County Farmers Union, Leeds-York Local and Butte Valley Local; was a member of the North Dakota Farmers Union; and was a former member of the Devils Lake Eagles.  He was a great supporter of FFA and 4-H, serving as a volunteer for both organizations and helping his children with their projects when they were members.  Recently he was a member of the 2012 Harlow Centennial Planning Committee.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing- including his yearly trip to Canada, playing cards, and talking about raising big pigs and registered Black Angus cattle.  He also was always willing to help others in any way he could.

Survivors include his wife of Harlow; daughter: Tammy Meyer of Harlow; sister:  Irene Risovi of Hamberg, ND; two brothers-in-law: John Piatz of Minot and LaVaine Christensen of Granville; and several nieces and nephews.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father in-law:  Oscar and Lydia Elverude; a son: James Meyer; one brother: Roy Meyer; four sisters:  Alice Buchta,  Mabel Fitzpatrick,  Albina Erickson, and Marie Piatz; two sisters-in-law:  MaryLou Meyer and Shirley Christensen; and four brothers-in-law:  John Buchta, John Fitzpatrick, Henry Erickson and Joe Risovi.




Condolences:



Jean and Tammy so sorry to read the news of Bernard's passing.  I know he will be greatly missed.  I was so glad to get a chance to know him at least a little bit through FFA Alumni.  Our thoughts and prayers go with you.   Janine, Merlin and Bradley Pfeifer



our sympathy to the family.  Bernie was a great neighbor.  I met him in 1st grade when we shared buggy rides w/Norman G.  Bernie was in 8th grade & hung on the back of the buggy.  He was my 1st introduction to a left hander.  I remember in awe as he wrote w/his left hand.  He always had a smile.   Orv Alveshere



Jean & Tammy,   Our thoughts and prayers are with you both in this time of mourning.  Bernard was a good man and a good friend.  We will all miss him.  God's speed as you say goodbye.  Hope to see you again soon.  Keith & Marian Bjerke



Jean & Tammy, We were saddened to read of Bernard's death.  His picture was just as we remembered him and brought back so many great memories of ND Pork Producer days--and Queen Tammy.  We pray you will find the strength you need from your Savior in the days to come.     Lowell & Judy Gemar



Tammy, we are so sorry for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  Don't hesitate to call us if you need to talk.   Jack and Nancy



My thought and Condolences to all the Members of Bernards family.  May God be with you. David M Lysne



Dear Jean and Tammy, We are so sorry to hear of Bernards passing.I have always enjoyed the time we were ables to spend together. We will miss him. God bless and comfort you both. Ike and Cindy Eliingsen



Tammy, So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I know he will be greatly missed. Please pass our Condolences to your family as well. Let me know if I can assist in any way.  Take Care my friend.   Karl Hensley



Dear Jean and Tammy,  I just wanted you offer my sympathy for the loss of your husband and father.  Jean, I respected you ever since I met you through ND Agri-Women. I was pleased to know you and meet Bernard at the Conference Banquets.Praying for peace in the days to come. God bless you.  Deb Monsebroten



Jean and Tammy  Our sympathy on the passing of Bernard. I always enjoyed my visits with Bernard. He had a real passion for family farmers and ranchers. We lost a good NDFU member. Gods speed. Woody, Carmell, Rachel Barth



Tammy, we were sorry to hear of your father's death.  We know that you were very close to him.  Your friends in Nebraska are thinking of you and your mother at this time.  You are in our prayers.  Keith and Doris Olsen



Jean & Tammy,   I am very sorry to hear of Bernard's passing.  I have very fond memories of him from our high school years.  The patience our parents had.  My thoughts and prayers are with you both.  Randy Ritterman