Shelley Bernard

Shelley Dawn (Trout) Bernard, 71, of Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Fergus Falls, MN was called to her Heavenly home after being attended to by hospice care . She passed away on Monday, October 7th, 2024 at her home.

Shelley was born to Aaron and Margaret (Bengtson) Trout, in Minot, ND. She grew up on her family’s farm 4 miles south of Sherwood, ND, and graduated from Sherwood high school in 1971.

She met her husband of 49 years, Jon Michael (Mike) Bernard at the former Northwest Bible College in Minot, ND. ,where they attended for 1 year before Mike completed some education in Colorado Springs. They were married on September 27th, 1975 at the West Minot Church of God.

Shelley worked as a loan officer at Mohall Credit Union until their move to Fergus Falls, MN in September 1990. She did childcare for 20 years before retiring.

Shelley enjoyed spending time with her 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She was deeply loved by them.

In earlier years, Shelley enjoyed camping . Her dream was to travel to every national park in the USA, but this was cut short due to ill health even prior to cancer. She liked to collect “gadgets” of all kinds. Her children referred to her as “the gadget queen.” She was gifted with organizational skills be it organizing family vacations, the garage or closets and cupboards. It seemed everything had a label! She had a beautiful voice and played guitar, as well. Writing “her story”, a book she wrote that was recently published was a great accomplishment considering she had been diagnosed with dyslexia. Her book was about a lifetime of misdiagnosis and mis-prescribed medications. 

Shelley was preceded in death by her parents, Aaron and Margaret Trout; older brother, Paul Trout; sister- in - law, Lois Trout.

She is survived by her husband, Mike; her children, Cassie (Randy) Leabo of Barnesville, MN, Caleb (Kami) Bernard of Grand Forks, ND and a very special adopted son, Dylan Bernard of Fergus Falls, MN; her grandchildren, Devon Leabo, Jadyn Wentzell Bernard ( fiancé Zack Ziegler), Dawson Leabo, Savannah Leabo, Reese Bernard and Olivia Bernard, and one great-grandson, Levin Ziegler, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition, she leaves behind her sister, Cleo (Daniel) Mueller of Fergus Falls MN; sister, Beth (Douglas) Mansfield of Brainerd MN; sister, Lisa Shea (Jen) Trout of Sherwood,ND.

Shelley’s wisdom and wit will be greatly missed.

Memorial Service will be held November 2, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, MN.
A private family burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN.