Bernard E Guimond

Bernard E. Guimond, 76, of St. Peter was called home to Jesus on Saturday, December 8, 2007. He had suffered several strokes over the years and at the time of his death was recovering from a recent heart attack.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at 1:00 p.m., with the Rev. Phil Schotzko officiating. Visitation will be at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Monday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. (with a 4:30 p.m. KC Rosary and a 7:30 p.m. prayer service) and will continue one hour prior to the funeral on Tuesday. St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bernie was born on December 16, 1930, to Homer and Nalda (Landry) Guimond in Medford, MN, and was raised on the family farm. He entered the United States Army at age 21 and served in Germany during the Korean War. After returning home, he married Isabelle (Isie) Maas at Christ the King Catholic Church in Medford on September 3, 1955. They lived in Owatonna until their move to St. Peter in 1963. Bernie worked as an Engineering Technician for the Nicollet County Soil Conservation Service for 29 years until his retirement in 1992. Many "locals" will recall him riding his bike to work every day, regardless of the weather. After retirement he worked as part-time manager of the St. Peter Thrift Store.

In addition to his work and raising 7 children, Bernie was very involved with his church, serving as an usher, lector, Eucharistic minister, and a volunteer at weekly bingo and church festivals. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Bernie was also a "Jack of all Trades" around the house. There was no project too big, too small, or too foreign to prevent him from tackling it. He was eager to share that knowledge with his children or to lend a helping hand to any neighbor or friend in need. Most memorable was his patience and the fact that he never complained. Bernie had a quiet disposition, a strong faith, and a good word for everyone. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and he enjoyed playing games, particularly cribbage, sheephead and pfeiffer. Bernie looked forward to annual "mini vacations" with his children, their spouses and his grandchildren, a tradition he and Isie started over 20 years ago. Each Christmas he spent hours making his famous peanut brittle which he loved to share with everyone.

Surviving family members who will miss him dearly include two sons, Greg of Denver, CO, (daughter Madison) and Steve (Shannon) of St. Peter (children Andrew & Elise); five daughters and their husbands, Denise & Brian Roggow of St. Peter (sons Jason & Travis), Peggy & Roy Novak of New Ulm (sons Jacob & Zachary), Connie & Ron Theis of West Bend, WI (sons Adam & Isaac), Sarah & Dan McDermott of Plymouth (children Ben & Kate), and Janice Guimond & Tom McAllister of Plymouth; one brother, Homer Guimond of Shakopee; two sisters, Dorothy (Bernard) Hruska of Claremont, and Virginia Jones of Medford; several brothers/sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernie will be received in heaven by his loving wife, Isie (2002), three infant daughters, his parents, and one sister.

Memorials preferred to the Church of St. Peter Building Fund, or John Ireland School.