Obituary of Rev. Bernard George Heruth

Rev. Bernard George Heruth, Jr, 90, of Stickney passed-away on Thursday, November 26 at the Douglas County Memorial Hospital in Armour, South Dakota. A private committal service will be held Monday, November 30 at the Silver Ridge Cemetery in Stickney.

Bernie was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He was born January 3, 1930 in Minneapolis, MN to Bernard (Ben) and Edith Heruth. Bernie served in the U.S Navy during the Korean War, primarily on aircraft carriers. He married Dorothy Jean Cliplef on July 7,1956. Bernie was ordained as a Lutheran Minister in 1965. Over the next 30 years, Bernie, with his loving partner Dorothy, faithfully served Lutheran parishes in Murdock, MN; Salem, SD; and Scotland, SD.

He is survived by his children: Jeanne (Calvin) Olivier of Stickney; Beverly (Jim) Velarde of Lander, WY; and Daniel (Rika) Heruth of Liberty, MO; grandchildren: Ana, John (Courtni), Joseph, Jolene (Chris), Veronica, Rachel, Michele (Justin), and Hans; great-grandchildren: Miranda, Cody, Savannah, Justus and Jayci Rae; great-great-granddaughter, Cecilia; siblings: Connie Engstrom, Kathy Palmer, Ken (Mary Kay), Gordy (Sue), sisters in-law: Nancy Heruth, Christine Heruth and Jill Hasselquist; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; parents; brothers: Jerry and John; parents in-law: Lloyd and Elda Cliplef; in-laws: Robert and Anna Cliplef, Gerald Cliplef, John Cliplef, John Palmer, and Roger Engstrom. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to two of Bernie’s favorite charities: the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org). Bernie’s family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff of the Douglas County Memorial Hospital for the thoughtful and professional care provided and loving kindness shown to our loved one.