Bernard Banks

Bernard O. Banks, 93, Grand Forks, ND died Monday, May 7, 2012 in Valley Memorial Home Eldercare, Grand Forks. Bernard Oscar Banks was born March 26, 1919 in Mercier, KS, the son of John and Minnie Banks. He was raised and educated in the Effingham and Horton, KS area and graduated from Effingham High School. Bernard entered the U. S. Navy in 1942 and served in the European Theater until 1946 during World War II. After the war he relocated to East Grand Forks, MN. Bernard worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad and later when it merged to the Burlington Northern Railroad retiring as a Brakeman-Conductor. He was a life member and former commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 in East Grand Forks and was an active member and volunteer at Holy Family Parish of Grand Forks. He served many communion services there. He also volunteered with the local Meals on Wheels program. Bernard married Carroll Lealos in 1975 in Kansas City. She survives along with step-children, Wendy (Don) Schultz, Grand Forks, Michael (Rita) Lealos, East Grand Forks, MN, Kathie (David) Robertson, Bemidji, MN and Darlene (Michael) Moen, Bemidji, MN; grandchildren, Cassidy (Tony) Bina, Kaley (Tim) Ireland, Scott Schultz, Pat Lealos, Riley Lealos, Kelsey Lealos, Chad (Stacey) Robertson, Summer Robertson, Brad (Darcy) Moen, Melissa (Jeff) Laspi; great grandchildren, Logan, Carter, Hunter, Brady, Meara, Aaron, Hailey and Drew. Bernard was preceded in death by his two sons, Patrick and David; five sisters, Teresa, Melvina, Mary, Louise and Lucille; four brothers, John, Paul, Jerome and Richard. A Rosary Service Will be at 12:00 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2012 in Holy Family Catholic Church of Grand Forks, ND Visitation will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM in the church. A Memorial Mass will begin at 1:30 PM Friday in Holy Family Catholic Church of Grand Forks, ND. Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Grand Forks, ND. Military Honors will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 3817, The American Legion Post #157 and the North Dakota Army National Guard.