Funeral services for Bernard Boysen, 80, of Baker, Montana, formerly of Isabel will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Isabel Community Center. Burial will be at the Hillview Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be held at 12:30 PM, Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Community Center in Isabel. Bernard passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Fallon Medical Center in Baker, Montana.

Bernard Everett Boysen was born on February 23, 1945, in Mobridge, SD.  Bernie was the youngest son of Emil and Irene (Johnson) Boysen. He joined three siblings on the farm near Firesteel, SD.

In the early years, Bernie attended school in Firesteel and later in Isabel.  He was very artistic and creative. His drawings graced the backgrounds for the Junior/Senior prom.  His love of oil painting began with a home course at an art school in Chicago.  He also took painting classes from Bob Ross.  He received many awards for his oil paintings all around the area.

As a busy 3-year-old, his mom told him to go outside and rope something.  So, he came back to the house with a setting hen in his rope.  As a child, Bernie was stricken with pneumonia several times. Once at -23 below his parents braved the roads to take him to the hospital.  The doctor told them that if they would not have come that night, he wouldn’t have made it.

On August 21, 1966, Bernie and Bonnie were married in the Methodist Church in Timber Lake, SD. They made their home on the Boysen family ranch 2 miles west of Firesteel, S. D. where they raised cattle, sheep, and pigs.  Bernie assumed the daily operations of the farm from his parents.  In 1968, Iris Joan was born. Over the years 21 foster children called the Boysen home their home.   In 1982, the family welcomed the adoption of a 2-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy named Kayla and Kyle. Years later, 4 foreign exchange students were welcomed to stay during school. All who were welcomed became family.

For 50 years he upholstered cars, truck and boat seats, couches, kitchen chairs, recliners, buggy seats and more.  Bernie was talented in woodworking and carpentry with the ability to turn junk furniture into new creations.   He was very proud of his short time as a mail carrier.   Bernie and Bonnie were always there to help a neighbor in need, to assist the elderly, or go out of their way to make a newcomer feel comfortable and welcome by opening their home. Gardening, African Violets and growing cactus were also loves of Bernie. In 1980 Bernie and Bonnie purchased the Country Store in Firesteel.   It was a cherished time when neighbors, relatives and friends dropped by to visit and have a snack or meal any time of day. Teasing and joking were part of Bernie’s character that brought foster children and others closer. In later years, Bernie became a very good cook with his specialty of baked beans.  Many hands of London Rummy were played, Bernie was usually the winner. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Isabel.

When Bernie and Bonnie retired, they moved to Bismarck, ND.  They enjoyed meeting new neighbors and making many new friends.

Bernie is survived by his children: Iris (Bobby) Wiedmer of Plevna, Mt.; Kayla (Matthew) Kennedy of Mitchell, SD; and Kyle (Char) Boysen of Isabel, SD; Grandchildren: Rebecca (Dustin) Jordan; Bailey (Ashli) Wiedmer; Charlie Boysen; Evelyn Kennedy; Johnathan, Katarina, Wyatt, Hermione, River, and Maddoc Boysen; Five great grandchildren: Alan, Sierra and Ryler Wiedmer; Leonidas & Maximus Jordan. Sibling: Bonnie Larson.

Bernie was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie of 58 years; his parents Emil and Irene, brother Wayne Boysen; sister Elvina Huft.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the United Church of Christ in Isabel.

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