Bernard J. Heikes

BERNARD JOHN HEIKES was born on May 31, 1944, to John and Nellie (Wieking) Heikes in Luverne, Minnesota. Bernie was raised in Luverne and graduated from high school in 1962. He then enlisted into the United States Marine Corp until his honorable discharge in 1965. On March 30, 1968, Bernie married Cheryl Iveland, who became the love of his life for the next 49 years, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. The couple made their home in Luverne and raised their two children. Bernie began working at Land O’ Lakes and worked his way up through the company over the next 30 years. He then served as plant manager for Great Plains Processing for 12 years, retiring from work in 2007. On Wednesday, January 31, 2018, Bernie passed away peacefully at the age of 73 years and eight months.

Bernie was a member of the Luverne Eagles Club. Throughout the years he enjoyed bowling, riding motorcycle, golfing, gambling, and playing pinochle. His favorite word was “free”. Those who knew him well, will remember him for wearing his Nike clothing and always talking smart and having fun (to which he would refer to as being “full of shits and giggles!”).

Bernie is survived by his wife, Cheryl; two daughters, Kari (Jim) Easterly of Arvada, Colorado, and Krista (Michael) Sweeney of St. Paul, Minnesota; three granddaughters, Abby and Kate Easterly, and Kyleigh Sweeney; a sister, Arlinda Akkerman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and many brothers and sisters-in-law, Bryce and Sue Iveland of Little Falls, Minnesota, Ernie Byerly of Cross Lake, Minnesota, Maxine and Burdette DePauw of McHenry, Illinois, and Dawn and Dan Petersen of Luverne; many wonderful nieces, nephews and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Juanita Marking; nephew, Jon Marking; sister-in-law, Valere Byerly; and in-laws, Boyd and Evelyn Iveland.

A private family committal with military honors will be held at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota. A celebration of Bernie’s life will be held at a later date in Luverne.