In loving memory of

Bernard W. Reilly
December 28, 1919 - February 24, 2017

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ledyard. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at Oakcrest Funeral Services, Bancroft, with A Knights of Columbus Rosary starting at 4 p.m. Interment with military honors will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Ledyard.

Bernard William Reilly was born December 28, 1919 on the Reilly family farm to parents Edward and Elizabeth (Korrect) Reilly. He was raised with his three brothers, Louis, Philip and Arnold on the farm near Lone Rock.

Bernard enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 1941, just before the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He served in the South Pacific during World War II from 1941 - 1945. He saw action in six major battles and was an eye witness to the raising of the U. S. flag on Mount Suribachi after the battle on Iwo Jima, memorialized by the famous photograph taken by Joe Rosenthal.

Bernard worked as the Manager of the Ledyard Farmers' Cooperative for 28 years from 1953 to 1982. In 2001, he was inducted into the Kossuth County Agriculture Hall of Fame.

In Ledyard, he met Mary Ann Haag and the two were married on September 14, 1954 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They raised three children, Colleen, Steven and David. Bernard died on February 24, 2017 at his home at the Main Street Manor in Swea City, Iowa, at the age of 97.

Bernard served on the Ledyard Town Council for 30 years, and was town mayor for six years. In 1995, he ran for District 5 Supervisor in Kossuth County and served in that role for one full term. He thoroughly enjoyed his work representing District 5, but in 1999, he decided not to run for re-election. He also served on the Kossuth County Economic Development Board, the 911 Board and on the Kossuth County Zoning Commission.

After his retirement, Bernard was known for his lush vegetable and flower gardens. He planted and tended to the flowers at the Ledyard welcome signs on the south and east the entrances to town, as well as the flower tubs on Main Street.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann, daughter Colleen and her husband, Robert Smith of Frisco, TX, Steven, of Arlington, TX , David of San Diego, CA and granddaughter Erin Reilly of San Louis Obispo, CA. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers and an infant sister.

Bernard was an honest, hardworking man of deep faith, a beloved father and husband and was devoted to his community and his church.

Tributes

larry & vicki Howell wrote on Mar 1, 2017:

"Our sincerest sympathy Larry & Vicki Howell"

Laurel Fantz Anderson wrote on Mar 1, 2017:

"My sympathy to you, Mary Ann, and your family. Bernard was a kind and gentle person. As I served with him on the Kossuth Co. Board of Supervisors I came to know that he was dependable, hard working and tactful...a real gentleman with wisdom. It was a pleasure to serve with him. My prayers are with you. Laurel Fantz Anderson"

Vicki Wiltse wrote on Feb 27, 2017:

"Our deepest sympathy to your family,My girls still call you guys Iowa grandma and grandpa ,Bernard gave my girls memories that will be forever in their hearts ,going to his garden and getting vegetables and pumpkins.What a wonderful man,he will be greatly missed by all. Scott,Vicki,Taylor and Erin Wiltse"

Norman Carson wrote on Feb 27, 2017:

"Our deepest condolences are sent to the BERNARD RILLEY family, and Mrs Riley. My name is Norman Carson, I was the auditor working for the elevator auditing firm ( out of DesMoines, Iowa) at the Ledyard Farmers' Cooperative. I always looked forward to working at the Ledyard Farmers ' Cooperative because of Bernard Riley, the hardest working elevator manager that I was honored to work with. Bernard's legacy will always be with me; as I know it will be with anyone that knew him. God sent Bernard to be a GREAT AND Faithful servant while he was on earth ; and now he receives his servant , BERNARD, into his eternal life. Thank you God and Mrs. Riley for sharing him with me . Norman and Mary Carlson Clarion, Iowa"

Michele Reilly Hall (#15) wrote on Feb 27, 2017:

"Uncle Bernard was such a wonderful man. He was a gentile soul who continuously gave back to his community. He always encouraged me to stay active in politics and keep fighting the good fight, even when odds are against you. I will miss his Christmas cards where he would share with me the fun stories of small town politics. I have always felt that it takes a strong man to lead your neighbors and have them still love and respect you after the fact. He loved his town, he loved the land and I know he is at peace. God speed, Uncle Bernard and say hi to Dad for me. The Reilly boys are all together again!"

Michele Reilly Hall (#15) wrote on Feb 27, 2017:

"Uncle Bernard was such a wonderful man. He was a gentile soul who continuously gave back to his community. He always encouraged me to stay active in politics and keep fighting the good fight, even when odds are against you. I will miss his Christmas cards where he would share with me the fun stories of small town politics. I have always felt that it takes a strong man to lead your neighbors and have them still love and respect you after the fact. He loved his town, he loved the land and I know he is at peace. God speed, Uncle Bernard and say hi to Dad for me. The Reilly boys are all together again!"

Norma Ruhnke wrote on Feb 27, 2017:

"Sympathy to you, MaryAnn on Bernard's passing. I enjoyed working with him when he was a Kossuth County Supervisor. He was a very kind gentleman. "

Marie Kemna wrote on Feb 27, 2017:

"Mary Ann, & family, I'm so sorry for your lose, My Deepest Sympathy Marie Kemna"

Evelyn doocy wrote on Feb 26, 2017:

"I'm sorry for your loss. I will always remember Bernard for the smile that was always on his face and his enjoyment of gardening and his love of flowers Evelyn Doocy"

Jerry and Nancy Michaluk wrote on Feb 26, 2017:

"We are deeply saddened by your loss. His was a life well-lived. May his soul rest in peace."

Bill Friedow wrote on Feb 26, 2017:

"My deepest sympathy to Mary Ann, Colleen, Steve, Dave, and Erin. I always enjoyed my visits with him"

Evelyn Nauman wrote on Feb 26, 2017:

"Mary Ann, and family Sorry to hear of your loss. Will never forget the great gardens and beautiful flowers that grew around your home. May your many memories bring you comfort. Prayers"

Marge and Fred Gariepy wrote on Feb 25, 2017:

"Colleen and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow, may he rest in peace."