Bernard Mcgee

Bernard Joseph McGee, age 97, of Austin, died at his home, Saturday, November 25, 2017. Bernie was born August 18, 1920 in Fremont Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa. He was the youngest of nine siblings. During the Great Depression Bernie joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he earned $30 a month building dams, bridges and working in rock quarries. After the CCC, he traveled throughout Iowa building barns for work. In July of 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy. He served in combat as a Gunners Mate 2ND class on P.T. Boat 347, in the South Pacific during WWII. On May 6, 1947 he was united in marriage to Irene Cummings in Cresco, IA. The couple moved to Austin, MN in 1948, where they raised four children. Bernie was a Local 1382 Union Carpenter for more than 70 years. Among many projects, he was involved in the building of the new Hormel plant, the Twin Towers, and he worked on several Main Street buildings. After a full day of work, Bernie would work as a handyman. Bernie was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, The VFW, The Eagles Club, and The American Legion. He was always physically active. He was a hard worker and always stayed busy. When he was not working, he loved fishing at Lake Vermillion. He also had a large garden in his backyard every summer. Bernie enjoyed wood working in his garage, he loved riding his bike, and spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Irene McGee, Austin, MN; son, James (Sheri) McGee, Austin, MN; daughter Susan Bothun, Austin, MN; daughter Ann McGee, Austin, MN; daughter Mary Huemann, Albert Lea, MN; six grandchildren, Carmen Weber, Skot McGee, Mike Merten, Kelly Walton, Brad Bothun, and Lindsey Haney; along with twelve great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; eight siblings, Leo, Emmett, Paul, and Daniel McGee, Lucille Peterson, Ester Roberts, Rosella Skogerboe, and Vera Ulwelling,; sons in law, Peter Merten and Vaughn Bothun. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday December 1, 2017 at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Jim Steffes officiating, Friends may call from 1:00 pm until the time of the service at the Funeral Home. Burial of Bernard’s ashes will be at later date when he will be united with the love of his life, Irene at Calvary Cemetery. “A special Thank you to Ann McGee, Sherri McGee and Crystal Hinrichs, for their care which allowed Bernie and Irene to remain in their home together” Condolences maybe left online at www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Visitation

Friday, December 1 2017
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW P.O. Box 27
Austin MN 55912

Service

Friday, December 1 2017
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912