SOUTH BRANCH AREA – Bernie Schwardt, age 86, of the South Branch area, died on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at the Madelia Community Hospital in Madelia.

A private family funeral was held on Friday, February 11, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in South Branch. Burial was at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James with full Military Honors provided by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard.

You may send the family condolences online at www.sturmfh.com

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.

Bernhardt Fred Peter “Bernie” Schwardt was born on October 3, 1935, on the family farm in the South Branch area to parents John and Marie (Quindel) Schwardt. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in South Branch. He attended the South Branch School until 8th grade and graduated in 1953, from St. James High School. He played on the 1952 St. James High School football team. Bernie served in the Army from 1955 to 1957. Bernie farmed with his dad for a couple years and in 1959 purchased 300 acres of land. He married Sharon Flatau in 1962, the couple made their home on the farm where they raised their 2 children, Nyla and Nyles. Bernie and Sharon farmed together for 45 years.

Bernie drove area veterans to the VA in Minneapolis for over 14 years and drove residents of Pleasant View for 7 or 8 years.

Bernie is survived by his children, Nyla (John) Johnson of Truman, Nyles (Tracy) Schwardt of Jordan; and a granddaughter, Emma Schwardt. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his parents, John and Marie Schwardt; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Vince and Verna Flatau.