Bernard Linder

Bernard Laverne Linder, 99, of Osceola died Monday, May 1, 2017, at Clarke County Hospital in Osceola.

Funeral services were 5 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at First Christian Church in Osceola with the Rev. Dr. Al Adams officiating. Visitation with family present was from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the church. Cremation followed the services. Memorial contributions may be directed to First Christian Church. Online condolences may be left at www.kalefuneralhome.com.

Bernard Laverne Linder, son of Carl Linder and Cecile (Tompkins) Linder, was born Feb. 17, 1918, in Clarke County. Bernard lived in Clarke County his entire lifetime, and graduated from Osceola High School. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was honorably discharged as a master sergeant in 1946.

In February 1938, he married Virginia Luther in Osceola. Virginia died in 1992.

On Dec. 26, 1993, Bernard married Doris Reed Richardson. Bernard was an employee of Robinson’s Department Store in Osceola, starting as manager and later becoming the co-owner for a total of 66 years.

He was a member of Davis-Pence American Legion Post No. 69, Osceola V.F.W., Osceola Chamber of Commerce and Osceola Fourth of July marshall along with wife Doris. Bernard was a member of First Christian Church since 1938 and held several board positions over the years.

Bernard is survived by his wife Doris Linder of Osceola; daughters, Cindy (Randal) Goodrich of Elkhart and Pam (Orval “Butch”) Black of Osceola; step-daughters, Kathy (Steve) Ratcliff of Red Oak, Connie Richardson of Des Moines and Carla (Ray) Baker of Osceola; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; sister Norma Corn of Grove, Oklahoma; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Cecile; first wife Virginia; son Lowell Linder; step-son Kent Richardson; great-granddaughter Cami Berglund and brother Leonard Linder.