Bernard A Samek

Bernard “Bernie” A. Samek passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Eventide, Jamestown, ND.

Bernie was born on September 13, 1943 to James and Mary (Zastoupil) Samek, on the family farm, Wimbledon, ND.  Bernie was the 14th of 15 children.  Bernie attended Dover Country School for the first eight years and graduated from Wimbledon High School in 1961. 

Bernie was employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad as a Depot Relief Agent throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.  In 1963, Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1965.  In April 1966 he met the love of his life, the apple of his eye, Barbara J. Steffen.  They were married November 12, 1966 in Devils Lake, ND at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Bernie was employed at Ladish/Cargill Malt as a Maintenance Supervisor in 1975.  He retired in 2005 after 30 years of faithful service.

He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, Wimbledon, where he was baptized and confirmed.  Bernie was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight from 1987-1989. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #236, Wimbledon.  Bernie was also a greeter at the museum honoring Peggy Lee and the Midland Continental Railroad.

Bernie loved music, playing the guitar and piano.  Country music was his favorite.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Samek; his five children, Jacky (Mike) Adams, Bonnie (Erik) Fretheim, Ron (Kari) Samek, Ken (Dani Duffy) Samek, and Matt (Michelle) Samek; grandchildren, Samantha and Haley Sayler, Kerstyn Kutz-Samek, Luke Samek, Ashley and Jayden Samek, Michaela and Lawson Adams; step-grandsons, Josh and Nick Fretheim; and step great-granddaughter, Kianna Fretheim; brothers, Frank, Benny, Steve, and Vitres Samek; sisters, Patricia Cherney, Margaret Haugen, and Bertha Lorenz; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Samek; brothers, George, Wenzel, Laudie, and Valentine; sisters, Mary Albrecht, Mildred Clarys, and Georgie Ann Cherney.

A special thanks to Father Sean Mulligan for his special Blessings and talks to Bernie, which meant so much. Also a special thanks to the hospice nurses for their care and visits to Bernie, and to the hospice minister for his visits.  To the nurses and CNAs at Eventide, Jamestown, a big thank you for your care – we appreciate you all!

Fly High Bernie, you will be missed!  We will love you forever!

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 20, 2021 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Wimbledon with Father Sean Mulligan officiating.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 6:40 p.m., Thursday, August 19, at the church.

Rosary: 6:40 p.m., Thursday, August 19, with a prayer service to follow at the church.

Burial: St. Boniface Cemetery, Wimbledon.

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