Bernard "Bernie" Wells

Goodridge, MN age 89 died peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2015 at his family farm surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral service to Celebrate The Life Of Bernie will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Greg Schram officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN and for one hour prior to the service at church.

Bernard Marshall Wells was born on February 2, 1926 on the family farm in Beltrami County, MN the son of Andrew James and Myrtle (Brown) Wells. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith as a young adult and attended the Pershing Country School through the eighth grade.

On July 6, 1947, Bernard was united in marriage to Virginia Faye Hutchinson on the family farm. Bernie shared 67 wonderful years with his beloved wife and soul mate, Virgie. He gave thanks every day for waking up to the rising sun on the homestead on which he lived his entire life.

The youngest of seven children, Bernie took over the family farm. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children. Bernie was the family go-to-guy for all repairs, he could fix anything.

Compassion for his family and friends were most important to him. He loved gardening, dancing, visiting with farmers and the many friends and fellowship at Reiner Lutheran Church for years. Bernie's heart was the farm, it was his pride and joy.

Survivors include his beloved wife and soul mate, Virginia "Virgie" Wells; children, Terry (Dawn) Wells, Kathi (Mark) Jenkins, Brent (Theresa) Wells, and Brian (Candy) Wells; grandchildren, Tammy (Jonathan) Turner, Terry A. (Jenny) Wells, Charlie Wells, Kara Jimenez, Kevin (Kelsy) Jenkins, Adam (Heidi) Wells, Maja Wells (Skyler Rolland), Spencer Wells, and Eric Wells; great-grandchildren, Krystle Holthusen (Devin Ruud), Kylie (Chris) Raymond, Amber, Abigail, Alyssa, Andrew & Rebecca Wells, Jonah & Jada Jimenez, Makenzie, Breanna & Logan Wells; great great-grandchildren, Summer Ruud & Paul Raymond; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Candace Madden in 2003; granddaughter, Kristen Jenkins in 1997; parents, Andrew and Myrtle (Brown) Wells; and siblings, Clinton, Lloyd, Andrew "Jim", Ruth, Ray, and Marion.

Memorials preferred to Goodridge First Responders, Hospice, VIP, Reiner Lutheran Church or charity of donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.johnsonfuneralservice.com