Bernard Jerome Asselin, 61, of rural Oklee, MN passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with family by his side early Sunday morning, August 29, 2010, after his year long struggle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee, MN with Father John Kleinwachter presiding.

Visitation will be from 5 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee, MN with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service on Wednesday evening. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Bernard Jerome Asselin was born February 14, 1949 to Homer and Clarice (Deschene) Asselin in Crookston, MN. He was the 7th child in a family of eight, missing being number six by just a matter of minutes. He grew up on the Asselin home place southwest of Oklee, in a close knit family, which was a good thing as his first couple of years were spent with them in a one room (12 X 20) home. He attended Oklee public school except for one year when he attended Plummer school, staying with and working for his sister, Stella (Dwight) Howard. After completing High School he joined the U. S. Marine Corps with his friend Norman Olson and brother Duane. After an honorable discharge in 1971 he returned home to Oklee. He started working as a carpenter - beginning a life long career of working with wood. (But to this day, Pam never did get her garage!)

He married his sweetheart of three years, Pamela Lee Hardecopf, on November 18, 1972. They made their home in rural Oklee, on the home place where Bernard grew up. To this union three children were born.

Bernard loved listening to country music. His favorite song was Country Hall of Fame . He wouldnt even let Pam talk when it was playing in the car. Although she did tease him by trying! Bernard was an easy going guy, always taking advantage of any opportunity to play tricks on family and friends.

Bernards love of playing cards was well known. His grandson, Tyller, said when Grandpa gets to heaven Great-Grandma (Clarice) will be waiting for him to play cards with.

Bernard enjoyed spending time with his children, doing many outdoor and indoor activities.

Bernard loved stealing the family birthdays. For example, he would say to the birthday person Happy Birthday ..to me ! He did this to Pam just two weeks ago when she asked him if he was going to wish her a Happy Birthday and he answeredto me!

Bernard is survived by his loving wife Pam, daughter Melissa (Darrin Mozinski) Grand Forks, ND, son Matthew Portales, New Mexico, son Shawn (Michelle) Grand Rapids, and grandchildren: Tyller Mozinski, Jaylen and Kaylah Asselin; sisters: Stella (Dwight) Howard, Rosella Pietruszewski, Phyllis Sulerud, Cecilia Finseth, twin sister Bernadette Hagl, and brother Duane (Pat) Asselin, all other relatives, friends, and our email caregivers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Roland.

Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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