Bernie Fischer

Burnell “Bernie” Fischer, 68 passed away quietly September 7, 2024 at home following a courageous eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Ave, Bismarck. A service livestream will be available on the church's YouTube, listed here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigniVHcO26MNkLk4KvcNyw

Family will greet guests from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Bernie was born October 9, 1955 in Eureka, SD to Helmuth & Arline (Dockter) Fischer. He started his working career as a teenager at Tom’s Candy Company in Eureka loading route trucks which he would always say was his favorite job. After graduating from Eureka High School in 1973, he attended Lake Area Vocational School in Watertown, SD for carpentry and then later returned to school and received a degree in accounting.

He returned to Eureka and began employment with N & S Construction as a carpenter. His skills in finish carpentry were frequently praised. In 1978 he moved to Bismarck and worked for Leonard Sabot Construction.

In June 1979 he married Tamara “Tammy” Kaul at Zion Lutheran Church in Eureka. They were blessed in 1983 with a son, Matthew and then again in 1985 with a daughter, Jenna.

During his working years, Bernie worked at B & D Supply and then later found his calling as a courier at Bismarck Title Company. Bernie became very well-known as he would travel among the Bismarck-Mandan banks stopping to visit with all the bankers. He also found himself playing in various charity golf tournaments with friends – as Bernie would say – “It’s a tough job but someone has to do it!” He retired in March 2019 and began his favorite career of being a full time golfer and Grandpa.

Family was always the most important thing to Bernie. When the kids were young, Bernie enjoyed attending all events that Matt and Jenna participated in. He could be found cheering on the sidelines or helping to coach if one was needed. Once the grandchildren came along, he spent many hours being Grandpa – hockey, soccer, golf, music programs – you name it Bernie was there! He especially enjoyed introducing each of his grandsons to the game of golf and was hoping to do the same with his granddaughters.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Gray and the Sanford Oncology staff along with Sanford Hospice for their compassionate care.

Bernie is survived by his wife Tammy; son, Matt (Dawn) Fischer; daughter, Jenna (Brandon) Berreth; grandchildren, Jacob, Lucas, Ethan and Andrew Fischer, and Rylie and Taya Berreth; his mother, Arline Fischer; brother, Lee (Valerie) Fischer; nieces, Amy Meyer and Emily (Wes) Dinger; mother-in-law, Wilma Kaul; and sisters-in-law, Lori Heinrich, Kathy (Scott) Kruse, and Tina Kaul.

He was preceded in death by his father, Helmuth Fischer; and father-in-law, Donald Kaul.