PIERRE, SD – Bernard George Stoeser of Pierre, South Dakota passed away peacefully on March 9, 2024 at the age of 93 ½, surrounded by his family. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Sunday, March 17 at Isburg Funeral Chapel in Pierre with a prayer service and rosary starting at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Monday, March 18th at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Pierre with burial at Scotty Philip Cemetery. For those unable to attend the service it can be viewed in the link below.

Bernard “Bern” was born on October 23, 1930 in Pierre, SD to Albert and Hatta (Wiseman) Stoeser. As a young child the family homesteaded in Hayes, South Dakota, where he attended school for 6 years at Sansarc Country School, then went to the St. Liborious Catholic Boarding School in Polo, South Dakota for two years. After his Uncle Leo died, he spent two years helping his Aunt Mary on the farm and going to school in Fowler, IN.

Bern returned to Pierre for his last two years of high school where he met Pat Pashby. After graduating in 1949, Bern and Pat were united in marriage at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church on October 2, 1950. As a couple they moved to Colorado Springs, CO where Bern was stationed with the South Dakota National Guard at Camp Carson. It was here that their first son, Steve was born. Bern was then stationed in Alaska until his discharge in 1952. Bern and Pat moved to the “Hole in the Ground” near Hayes in 1953 where they farmed and four more children were born: Pam, Bob, Lori, and Nancy.

They eventually moved to Pierre. Bern was a member of the Ss. John’s Catholic Church, Ss. Peter & Paul Church, 4th Degree Knight, V.F.W., He was President of the Hayes Grazing Association and was named Outstanding Young Farmer in 1965.He was a South Dakota State Representative 1973-1974. His later years he was the heads groundskeeper along with numerous titles at Willow Creek Wildlife.

Bern enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, playing “cheating” cards, and spending time with his family. Bern never met a stranger and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to mourn his passing include his children, Steve (Sherri) Stoeser, Ft. Pierre, SD, Pam (Dean) Olson, Rapid City, SD, Bob (Susan) Stoeser, Ft. Pierre, SD, Lori (Brad) Clark, Pierre, SD, Nancy (Steve) Howard, Littleton, CO; 17 Grandchildren, 30 Great Grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Gene Pashby, Santa Clara, CA and Gary (Linda) Pashby, Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Stoeser, Ft. Pierre, SD, Cheryl Dickson-Smith, St. Paul, MN; special family friend, Bob Morris, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bern was preceded in death by his wife Pat, his parents, Albert and Hatta (Wiseman); his father-in-law, Fawn Pashby; his mother-in-law, Sue (Schleder)Pashby: brothers, Roy, Ben, Alex, Gene and Johnny Stoeser; sisters-in-laws, Waunita (Briggs) Stoeser, Irene (Patton), Lucille (Johnson) Stoeser, Regina (Norman) Stoeser, Nita (Riggle) Stoeser, Gloria (Henry) Pashby; two brothers-in-law, Jim Smith, Jim (Deno) Dickson; and a grandson, Johnathan Stoeser.

A special thanks for all the loving care given to Bern by the staff at Avantara Nursing Home and Avera Rehab Center. He was cherished by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Pierre Area Referral Service, the Pierre Area Food Pantry, or Countryside Hospice, Pierre, SD.

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