April 7, 1935 – Saturday, July 28, 2018

Service Information
SWO Community Center, Old Agency Village, SD
Thursday, August 2, 2018
2:00 PM

Visitation Information
SWO Community Center, Old Agency Village, SD
July 31 & August 1, 2018
7-10 PM and All-Night

Orsen Kerwin Bernard “Iḣawaŋyakapi” (When You See Him He’s Always Smiling), age 83, of Grenville, SD journeyed to the Spirit World on Saturday, July 28, 2018.

He was born on April 7, 1935 in Sisseton, SD the son of Aaron and Lavina (Blackstone) Bernard.

He graduated from Sisseton High School and joined the Army from 1955 to 1959. After discharge from the Army, he worked as an orderly at the State Hospital in Salem, Oregon.

Orsen married Edwina Clown on November 8, 1961 at St. Mathews Church in Salem, Oregon.

He worked at Dakota Pride and the VA in Fargo, ND and retired from the CHR Program. He also worked with Dakota Language Institute with Tammy DeCoteau. Orsen was an avid TZ fan. He wouldn’t miss a game if he could help it and when he couldn’t make a game he would watch it on his laptop at home. He also enjoyed watching boxing, baseball and football with his son-in-law, Tony, at home. His favorite team was the Baltimore Ravens and his favorite movies were The Blind Side and Secretariat.

Preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; six sisters; and a son, Lester Bernard.

Survived by his wife of 56 years, Edwina Bernard; son Lee Bernard Sr.; daughter Lisa Bernard (Anthony Frenier Sr.); grandchildren Garryl Jr., Jahna Ray, Tasha, Lee Jr., Shawnda, Raelana, Leiloni, Audrey Starr, Mike Sierra, Peter Jr. & Anthony Jr.; niece Inez Owen; nephews Bill Keoke and Jesse Larsen (whom he had a special bond with and thought of them as his sister and brothers); many great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral service for Orsen Bernard will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the SWO Community Center in Old Agency Village, SD. Lunch will be served at noon, prior to the service. Mike LaFontaine, Coke LaFontaine, Clyde Kampeska and Milton Owen will officiate. Drum groups will be Old Agency and Big Stone.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 31 from 7-10 PM at the SWO Community Center in Old Agency Village, SD. An all-night wake will be held Wednesday, August 1 beginning at 7 PM at the Community Center.

Honorary casket bearers will be Stanley Lufkins, Spencer Wanna, Jerry Flute, Joe Williams, Frankie Robertson, Hector Bunn, Tammy DeCoteau, Jodi Eastman, Caroline Blackthunder, Jeremy RedEagle, Sterling Owen, Joey Bird, Brian Bartunek, Jodean Wanna and Delmar Clown.

Casket bearers will be Garryl Rousseau Jr., Anthony Frenier Sr., Gerald Bagola, Arnold Williams, Eric DuMarce, Joseph Owen, Aaron Keoke, and Ohiyesa Eastman.

Chilson Funeral Home, Winsted, MN served the family.