Mabel, wife of Dr. Henry Diely, Emery, SD: Albert “Babe” in business with his father; and 2 children who died in infancy. Elizabeth, wife and mother, died in 1888. George lived above the Bernatz Grocery Store until his death in 1934. George and Elizabeth are buried in Phelps Cemetery along with George, Jr.

Albert Bernatz was in the grocery business with his brother Frank for 63 years. He married Agnes Holm. Albert and Agnes had 3 sons: Durwin (d. 1972); Gerald, lives in Chatfield, MN; and Howard, lives in Decorah, IA. Their mother Agnes passed away in 1936. Albert married Gladys Knutson and they had one son Albert, Jr., Decorah. Albert closed out the grocery store in 1968 and enjoyed retirement until his death in 1970. Gladys passed away in 1986. Albert, Agnes, Darwin and Gladys are all buried in Phelps Cemetery.

Frank married Martha Hanson and they had 3 sons: Robert, lived in Decorah and died 1984; Hubert, lives in Palos Verdes, CA; Dr. Philip Bernatz “Bud", lives in Rochester, MN; and one daughter, Gretchen (m. Bruce Hollingworth) died in CAin 1979. Frank, Martha and Robert are buried in Phelps Cemeteyr.

Thus far the Bernatz family history has spanned 148 years in this country. Many more additional years will probably be added to his amount as the Bernatz family continues to be an integral part of Decorah family life.

Berst, Frank Xavier and Rosa (Schott)

(Arlene Mashek)

Frank X. Berst was born Aug 1860 in France, the son of Francis Xavier Berst. He was married to Rosa Schott, born Aug 1864 in France to Nicholas and Anna (Halte) Schott.

Frank and Rosa had 5 children: Charles (m. Rosa Ott); Louisa (m. Frank X. Sattler); Hubert (m. Tracy Sabelka); Frank (m. Tessmer); and Anthony “Tony” (m. Mathilda Ondrashek.

Frank died Apr 1940 and Rosa died Jan 1945.

Bidne, Clarence and Bertha (Grindeland)

(Evelyn Recher)

Henry Kittleson and Clarence Bidne with horses and buggy.

Clarence Oliver Bidne was born 27 Jul 1889 in Pleasant township and died 31 Mar 1957 in Decorah Iowa.his parents were Peter and Kathrina Bidne. He received his education in rural schools and after living a short time in North Dakota resided in Decorah until his death. He was a veteran of Word War I.

Clarence was employed by the Winneshiek Cooperative Association for 34 years. He became manager and through the years expanded the company including a sales barn where farmers could sell or buy cattle weekly.

On 27 Aug 1919 Clarence married Bertha Grindeland in Big Canoe Lutheran Church. Bertha was born 7 Dec 1889 in Highlandville and died 4 May 1969 in Decorah. Clarence and Bertha had 4 children: Wilbur, born in 1920 and died in 1986 in Ft. Dodge, IA; Mildred Clarkson, born in 1925 and died in Van Alstyne, TX in 1981; and Evelyn Recher, born in 1926 and living presently in Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca. One son Kenneth died in infancy.

Bidne, Knut and Selma Marie (Brunsvold)

(Helen Hendrickson)

Children of Knut and Marie Bidne, left to right: Helen, George and Violet.

Peter and Katherine Bidne’s son Knut married Selma Marie Brunsvold 17 Jun 1923. They lived on the home farm east of Big Canoe Church and were parents of Kermit who died in infancy; Violet (m. Al Schlaufman) of California; Helen (m. Jack Hendrickson) of Decorah; and George who lived on the home farm.

George Bidne married Ellen Anderson 5 Sep 1959. They lived on the home farm and were parents of Keith, of Story City; Kevin, who lives on the home farm; Kathleen, of Minneapolis, MN; and Karen, of Peoria, IL.

Since 1853 the home farm east of Big Canoe Church has been a Bidne farm continuously for 5 generations. The current farmer Kevin married Doreen Gulrud 1 Sep 1990 and has 2 sons Kurt and Jared.