Bernard F. Jirele of rural Owatonna died October 28th, 2015 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Mass of Christian Burial is set for Monday, November 2nd, 2015 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna. Friends may greet the family on Sunday, November 1st, 2015 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at Brick – Meager Funeral Home (1603 – Austin Rd, Owatonna) and one hour before the funeral liturgy on Monday. There will be a Knights of Columbus rosary at 5:00 pm at the funeral home on Sunday after the visitation.
Bernard was born January 4th, 1937 in Owatonna. He was the son of John L. & Libbie (Simon) Jirele. He attended Owatonna Township country school and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1954. After High School, Bernard worked on his family's farm along with his dad and brother Bob. He was united in marriage to Frances (Fran) Skalicky on September 16th, 1961 at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna. The couple made their home on the family farm in Owatonna Township. Bernard was a dairy farmer and farmed for all of his life. He was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Church, the Owatonna Knights of Columbus, and the Steele County Holstein Association. He enjoyed spending time with his family, working on his farm, watching sports and following his children and grandchildren in their activities. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Fran.
He will be missed by his wife Fran of 54 years, his children Lori (Tim) Rank of Grant, Mary (Wade) Schroeder of Owatonna, Dan (Tanya) Jirele of Northfield and Karen (Jeff) LaBounty of Burnsville. Grandchildren Jackie and Jacob Rank, Sadie, Kendra, Chloe and Anton Schroeder, Paris (Cody) Schmidt, Annie and Jason Jirele, Evan Clay, Allison and Ethan LaBounty and one Great Grandchild, Rowan Schmidt. Bernard is survived by his brother Richard of Owatonna. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob and sister Margaret. Memorials are preferred to St. Mary's School.
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