Bernard McMahon

Bernard Francis "Bernie" McMahon, 83, died peacefully after a short illness on March 2, 2008 at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday at Church of Corpus Christi with Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Burial will be in North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a vigil will be held at 7:00 pm. Bernie was born to Dennis J. McMahon and Josephine Silvernail on January 31, 1925, in Aberdeen, SD. After moving to Fargo, ND, Bernie attended and graduated from Fargo Central High School. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force, during WWII and was awarded the Purple Heart while serving in the South Pacific. Bernie married Doris Nelson, also of Fargo, ND, on August 3, 1947. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage, celebrating with a family reunion in Detroit Lakes this past summer. Early in his career, Bernie was employed by Art Schimkat Construction of Pierre, SD, he joined Northern Improvement Company, Bismarck branch in 1974 and retired as a senior vice-president in 1990. Retirement was not for him, so he found great satisfaction in working beyond retirement for Kadrmas Lee and Jackson Engineering, Onyx Construction and Zircon Construction until his death. Each morning he joined friends for coffee and as a life-time member of the Fraternal Order of the Elks, Bernie enjoyed joining "the guys" for lunch. He was an avid reader, enjoyed golfing, and fifteen years of warm winters in Arizona. Spending time with his family was very important; he affectionately called his wife, children, and grandchildren the "Weeds" for growing like a weed. He enjoyed watching the Cubs, Packers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, often with his son, John. He will be remembered for his crossword puzzle challenges and warm unique laugh. Bernie served as a board member of St. Alexius Medical Center, Apple Creek Country Club and the United Way. He was a member of the President's Club at the University of Mary. Bernie is survived by his wife, Doris; sons, Thomas of Minnetonka, MN and John of Bismarck, ND; daughters, Kathleen of Austin, TX, Mary Dan Middleton of Sioux City, IA and Claudia Don Simon of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Noah Beekley of Austin, TX, Taja Beekley of Austin, TX, William Simon of Minneapolis, MN and Meredith Simon of Fargo, ND; brothers, Thomas of Fargo, ND, James Betty Eldorado Hills, CA and Vince Yvonne of Fair Oaks, CA and sister, Mary McMahon of Deland, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, William; sister, Marian Liddle and foster brother, Dick. Memorials are preferred to the University of Mary or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Bernard McMahon

January 31, 1925 - March 2, 2008