Bernard was born in Mallard, Iowa on Sept. 19, 1927. At the age 17 he joined the US Navy and served in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On November 17, 1948 he was married to Margaret Krug and left for Portland, OR the next day. He was recalled to duty from the Navy during Korean War in 1950. Bernard served 13 months on Guam with the 103rd Seabees. After the war he returned to Portland and worked for NW Natural Gas Company for 41 years from 1948-1989. He was a lifetime member of VFW, a member of Veterans Before Association of Oregon, a member and an usher at Holy Cross Catholic Church since 1954, a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Eagle Lodge #3426, a member of Knights of Columbus Council 5279, and a member of St. Johns Post-98 American Legion. He became the world's #1 fan of Notre Dame Football at a young age. Bernard was preceded in death by wife in 2006 and daughter, Sharon Mary, in 1957. He is survived by son Danny, daughter Cindy, son Kenny, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bernard retired from NW Natural Gas with 41 years of service. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Ann. There will be a visitation on Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 3 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary starting at 7 p.m. at Hustad Funeral Home. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Friday, July 6, 2012 at Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Published in The Oregonian
on July 4, 2012

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Graveside service for Bernard Girres of Portland OR will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at St. Mary's Cemetery, Mallard. The Rev. Father Ed Girres will officiate. Bernard Girres passed away June 29, 2012, in Oregon.

Published in the Emmetsburg News
on June 20, 2013