Virgil Bernstein Service Folder

Virgil Bernstein, 90, of Brookings, passed away on January 31, 2023, at The Neighborhoods at Brookview.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, at the First Lutheran Church in Brookings at 1:30 P.M.  A time of fellowship will follow the service.  Visitation will precede the funeral, beginning at 12:00 P.M. at the church.  Burial will take place at St. Andreas Cemetery in rural Oldham, SD at 3:00 p.m. on June 3, 2023.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Virgil Becker Bernstein was born on March 19, 1932, to Fredrick and Helena (Becker) Bernstein in Oldham, South Dakota.  Virgil grew up in the Oldham area, where he attended school.  On September 23, 1961, Virgil was united in marriage to Selma Mortinsen in Oldham.  The couple moved to Brookings in 1966, continuing to live in the same home until Virgil moved to assisted living.  Selma passed away on October 17, 1992. He moved to The Neighborhoods of Brookview on February 2, 2016

In his younger years, Virgil greatly enjoyed driving truck with his father and brother.  Hauling loads across the country, Virgil was able to gain many experiences.  He later used those experiences to tell family and friends stories of his many trips.  Following an accident in the 60s, Virgil was no longer able to drive truck. He began working for the Brookings Public School District 5-1 as a school custodian.  Virgil retired in June of 1996.  He was a member of the AFSCME Local 1953 for a number of years.

Virgil will be remembered as a gentle, giving man by his family and friends.  He loved to tell stories about his younger years and always made sure that his guests left with a little extra treat.

Virgil is survived by his nephews, Ron (Corrine) Hill, Randy (Glenda) Odegaard, Larry (Robin)  Mortinsen. And nieces, Betty (Sheldon) Stewart, Joan Cleveland, Bonnie Nelson, Mary (Dean) Nordseth, Karen (Paul) Heim, Barbara (Mike) Mullaney, and numerous extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Helena (Becker)Bernstein, his wife, Selma; siblings: Clarence Bernstein, Evangeline Hill, Grace Harms, Arlo Odegaard, Hope Bernstein; nephews and nieces: Wayne Odegaard, Gwedolyn Johnson, Gwen and Micheal Mortinsen.