Bernard John Kerley

BJ (Bernard J.) "Hi" Kerley, 89, of Grand Forks, passed away on Monday, July 30, 2012, at Valley Eldercare Center in Grand Forks. Bernard was born August 29, 1922, the son of Bernard John & Molly (Lenes) Kerley. He was baptized, confirmed and raised in Fosston where he graduated from High School in 1942. He was on the basketball team and in theater plays. Bernard entered the US Army in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1946 and moved back to Grand Forks and worked at Lyons Auto Parts. He married Olive T. Stairs in 1953. Bernard also owned the Supermatic Car Wash for 2 years. He worked as automobile salesman for Wilcox & Malm before retiring in 1982. He was an avid bowler in the 1960's and hunted pheasant, ducks, geese and deer in the 50's and 60's. He also enjoyed trapshooting and was involved with Grand American Trapshoot. Bernard became a life member of the GF Gun Club in 1954, and was past President for 8 years and was on the Board of Directors for 40 years. He was an NRA Endulment Life Member and was on the 2nd Amendment Task Force. Bernard was also a member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association, Life Member of Walsh County Gun Club and member of the Fosston American Legion. Bernard is survived by daughters, Brenda (Ron) Cole, Grand Forks, Lynda Kerley, Grand Forks, and Donna Kerley, Grand Forks; sister, Margaret Kindem; grandchildren, Katie Fruetel, Andy Fruetel and Cody Coulter; great-grandchildren, Jada Fruetel, Ryder Burke; step-grandchildren, Monica (Nick) Adair, Ryan Cole; step-great-grandchildren, Parker Bruce and Aubrey Adair; and his 2nd family at Valley Memorial Homes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Olive; brother, Donald; special cousins, Delores Claypool and Red Suby. Celebration Party: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m Monday, August 6, 2012, at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. Grand Forks, ND. Interment: Wednesday, August 29th at 11:00 a.m. with full military honors at Memorial Park South Cemetery in Grand Forks. Online guest registration is available at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com