Wayne R. Bernard, 73, of rural Shelly, MN passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021, at his residence, under the care of his family and Hospice.
Wayne Robert Bernard was born on September 25, 1947, to Eva (Tucker) and Leonard Bernard of Chatfield MN.
Wayne was the oldest of four. He graduated in 1965 from Chosen Valley High School in Chatfield. He was active in 4-H and was also a member of the Chatfield wrestling team. At the age of 24, Wayne started his lifelong career as a truck driver which led to a successful business that started out as W & W (Wayne & Wendy) Trucking, which later transformed into KDL Transport, based in Shelly, MN.
In 1970 Wayne met his wife and the love of his life, Wendy Kaye Chester. They were married on July 27, 1973, and celebrated 40 years together, raising four children, Kim (Sandi) Bernard of Grand Rapids, MN, Kelly (Steve) Talamantes of Rochester, MN, Daniel (Kimberly) Bernard of Shelly, MN, and Lacey (Kevin) Martinson of Hoople, ND.
Wayne was always willing to lend a helping hand. Anyone that knew Wayne knew that he was a workaholic; trucks and family were his life. Wayne was sadly diagnosed with lung cancer in November of 2020 and unfortunately lost his battle to lung cancer on February 22, 2021.
Wayne is survived by his mother, Eva Bernard of Halstad, MN; his four children; sisters, Shirley (Paul) Anderson of Strandquist, MN and Diane (Owen) Hagen of Grygla, MN; brother, Dale (Dodi) Bernard of Pryor, MT; sisters-in-law, Dyanne Miller of Fertile, MN and Deborah Tripp of Hackensack, MN. Wayne had 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Wendy Bernard; father, Leonard Bernard; brother-in-law, Rick Miller; and many other relatives.
A memorial service will be held at the Shelly Community Center on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at 2:00 PM, with a prayer service to begin at 3:00 PM, and social gathering until 5:00 PM. COVID guidelines must be followed.
