BERNEN EDWARD IDEN - 1920-2012

Bernen Edward Iden died at the Sterling House Assisted Living Center in Longmont, Colorado on March 22, 2012 at age 92.

He was born in Beemer, Nebraska on March 2, 1920 to Edward and Ellen Iden. He grew up on a farm near West Point, Nebraska until 1925 when he moved with his family to a farm near Burke, South Dakota. The family then moved to a farm near Gregory where he attended rural school. He was harvesting potatoes near Sioux City, Iowa in 1942 when he received his draft notice for the U.S. Army. He was a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific Theater in the Aleutian Island and Philippine campaigns as a radio operator for the 49th Field Artillery Battalion.

He married Ruby Graf of Winner, South Dakota on April 2, 1947. They had a son Marlin, and a daughter Linda. They lived in Gregory where he owned and operated Iden Body Shop for twenty-two years. He and a partner also built and operated the Rosebud Speedway near the Gregory Airport for a few years in the 1950's. Ruby died in March of 1965.

He married Lois Pechota in 1966 and in 1969 he sold his business and moved to Longmont, Colorado where he established a landscape and excavation business. He retired from this business in 1982. Lois died in 2005.

He enjoyed fishing on the Missouri River in South Dakota and hunting in the mountains of Colorado. He was an innovative man who used these skills throughout his lifetime. He was a master welder and hand built the stained glass lights that are still in use at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory. He also restored antique cars.

Bernen is survived by his son Marlin (Brenda) Iden of Riverton, Wyoming and grandchildren: Daisy, Lilly, Andrea, Lance, Makayla, Brant and Brady; his daughter Linda (Mike) Bartling of Thornton, Colorado and grandson Brett. Great grandchildren: Marcella, Cecelia and Jacob.

Lois's children: son Larry (Mryna) Pechota of Colome, South Dakota and grandchildren: Teresa, Randy and Tammy; daughter Bev (Jerry) Vaughn of Burke, South Dakota and grandchildren: Becky, Melissa and Austin; daughter Kathy (Dennis) Thompson of Thornton, Colorado and grandchildren: Amy and Tyler. Great grandchildren: Abby, Dylan, Kaden, Owen, Aidan, Duncan, Ava, Isaac and Sullivan. He is also survived by his brother, Paul (Frieda) Iden of Nebraska.

Bernen was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Ellen, brother Rueben Iden, first wife Ruby and second wife Lois.

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Funeral services for Bernen Iden were held on Monday, March 26, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory with Pastor Jared Nies officiating.

Music was provided by Geoff Smith, soloist, singing "On Eagles Wings" accompanied by Melanie Hannahs, organist. Congregational songs were "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art."

Military honors were conferred by the Gregory American Legion.

Interment was in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Gregory, SD.