Obituary of Bernard Charles Prasher

Bernard Charles Prasher, 90, of Bloomington, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday February 23, 2023.

Bernard, Bernie or Bud to many, was born July 31, 1932 in New London, Wisconsin to Bernard and Louise (Lutz) Prasher. He was a 1950 graduate of Sheboygan Falls High School. He worked in surveying for Streu Construction in Two Rivers, WI before enlisting in the Army in 1952. Bernard rose to the rank of Corporal in 1953 and served in the 48th Engineer Battalion (Topographic) in the Philippines and South Korea during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged (National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Metal) in1955. Upon leaving the army, he briefly attended UW-Madison and went on to obtain aircraft maintenance certifications from the Spartan School of Aeronautics & Technology in Tulsa, OK. In 1957, he married Barbara Van De Wege. In 1991, he married Mary Morell.

Bernard was a lifelong learner. He loved aviation/airplanes, WW II history, sailing his boat on Lake Pepin, travel, gardening, new technology and solving problems. He enjoyed and was very capable of fixing just about anything. He was generous with his time, always willing to share and teach. He always grew more produce than he could consume. A heathy amount of his “time off” was spent traveling to the Oshkosh airshow, fly-ins at small airports, and reading every airplane and/or history book or magazine he could get his hands on. Bernie and Mary considered Florida their second home, where they spent many winters exploring, fishing and relaxing with their southern community of friends.

Outside of his family, one of Bernard’s biggest points of pride was his amazing airline career. He loved his “work”. He began as a Mechanic, and was later promoted to Power Plant Engineer. His career spanned a broad change in technology (turbo prop to jet engine) and three airlines, North Central, Republic and Northwest. He “retired” in 1992 and spent a few more years consulting before he left “work” for good. His love of airplanes was a huge part of his life, even after retiring from the airline industry

Bernie was a loving husband, father, brother and son. A hero to his wife Mary. He is preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Louise (Lutz) Prasher and sister Lisa Citarelli. He is survived by his adoring wife of 32 years, Mary; son, Peter Prasher; two daughters, Lisa (Tom) Bramer and Sarah (Steve) Krake; bonus-daughter Michelle (Steve) Lorence; five grandchildren, Alec (Cathleen) Bramer, Sydney (fiancé Pat) Bramer, Samantha (Matt) Hoffman, Lauren Krake and Cameron Krake; two bonus-grandchildren Chelsey (Cory) Pierce and Matthew Lorence; two great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Callie Hoffman; two sisters, Gretchen Tinkle and Christine Novak. In addition to immediate family, he leaves behind several cousins, nieces, nephews, former colleagues and friends. He will also be missed dearly by his faithful pup, Tessie.

Bernie will be laid to rest in a military service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN on June 15th at 2:00pm. Recommend arrival by 1:45pm.  Enter through Gate #2 and proceed to Assembly Area #2.   A casual celebration of Bernie’s amazing life will follow at Tavern on France in Edina, MN from 3:00-5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Bloomington Veterans Memorial (www.bloomingtonveteransmemorial.org)