Bernard “Bernie” Ohlenkamp, 73, of Aurora, passed away on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, at the First Lutheran Church in Brookings at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow a time of fellowship at the church at Fairlawn Cemetery in Aurora, South Dakota. A time of visitation was held on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings from 4 until 6 p.m.
Bernard “Bernie” Ohlenkamp was born on August 30, 1946, to Bernard and Esther (Moeller) Ohlenkamp near Flandreau, South Dakota. Bernie attended country school in Elkton and White, South Dakota, and graduated from White High School in 1964. Growing up on a farm, Bernie often worked with his dad, teaching himself to fix anything.
Bernie married Peggy Krogman on May 10, 1975, at First Lutheran Church, and the pair had two daughters Stacy and Tammy.
Bernie had many interests in life, including flying model airplanes, fishing, camping, the Minnesota Vikings and helping his nephew Ron with go-cart motors. Bernie especially loved his trips to Harbor Freight, and his 1956 Ford Fairlane Convertible.
Bernie could also frequently be found retreating to his garage to watch T.V. or tinker with various items.
Throughout his life Bernie worked as a machinist, as well as working at Sturdevant’s Auto Parts in Brookings. Unfortunately, Bernie was forced into retirement in 2007, due to his cancer diagnosis.
As a self-taught handy man, Bernie was able to fix any number of appliances, car parts, lawn equipment, or even household items that his family, friends, and neighbors presented him with.
Bernie will be remembered as a well-liked man, who was always willing to help. He was always eager to give a helping hand, or fix anything that needed fixing. Bernie was also an avid story teller, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, and his schnauzers Lew and Yukon.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughters: Stacy Thompson and Tammy (Josh) Moller; grandchildren: Kelyn, Wayde, Gavin, Grayson, Nadiya, Kiah, Nyla, Maliha, and Willow; great-granddaughters: Chloe and Serenity; siblings: Gladys Bren, Marilyn Schultz, and Bev (Craig) Chapman; numerous nieces and nephews, and many good friends.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Esther; a father-in-law, Ed Krogman; great-grandson, Ruxin; a brother-in-law, Mike Schultz; and his “best buddy,” Lew, beloved dog.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to make memorial donations in Bernie’s memory to the Kelly McGeough Foundation or the Brookings Pink Ladies.
Donation information can be found on Bernie’s obituary page at www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com.
