Bernard "Bernie" Gisolf

     Bernard “Bernie” Gisolf age 85 of Rock Rapids, IA died Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Sanford Hospital of Rock Rapids, IA.           Funeral service will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA with Rev. Dan Haggar officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.        Visitation will be Monday, December 5th from 4 PM to 8 PM with family present from 6 PM to 8PM at First Reformed Church of Rock Rapids. Bernard “Bernie” Gisolf was born on a farm near Lester, Iowa, to Harry and Hattie (Flier) Gisolf on June 21, 1931. At the age of 7, his family moved to the family farm north of Rock Rapids. He was drafted into the service in January 1952 and served during the Korean Conflict.        During his military leave, he met the love of his life, Norma (Wollmuth) Gisolf.   Upon his return from service, Bernie and Norma married in 1954, moved onto the family farm and farmed with Bernie’s brother, Henry, for many years, until Henry retired. They continued to farm fulltime until they moved to Rock Rapids in 2011. Bernie could still be found on the family farm as he helped his son, Curtis, with planting and harvesting. Following harvest, they wintered in Yuma, AZ.      Bernie loved the Lord and faithfully served Him. He was a member of the First Reformed Church most of his life and served as deacon and elder for many years.      Bernie was actively involved in Lyon County Farm Bureau having served as an officer and board member. He also served as a Lyon County Board of Adjustment member.      He loved spending time with his family, going on many vacations with their grandchildren, family outings and picnics. Bernie had many hobbies including fishing, golfing and woodworking.      Bernie’s survivors include his wife of 62 years, Norma; children, Cynthia (Jeff) Eben of Little Rock; Audrey (Rodney) Coffman of Spencer; Curtis (Brenda) Gisolf of Rock Rapids and Janna (Jeff) Colvin of Des Moines; 14 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other extended family members.      He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Henry and Arthur; his sister, Theresa Korthals; and three granddaughters, Sara and Susan Colvin and Megan Gisolf.        Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and Touch of Hope Haiti.