Bernard John Van Moer age 79 of Tracy passed away on his farm Friday, November 22, 2013.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 26 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy.  Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Tracy Area Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.  Burial will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bernard “Bernie” Van Moer was born July 21, 1934 in Tracy, MN to Joseph and Helen (Polaschek) Van Moer.  He graduated from Tracy High School in 1952.  Following high school he enlisted in the National Guard and then the United States Army, achieving the rank of sergeant.  Bernie reflected often on his time spent stationed in Germany.  He noted he was a lucky man to serve during peace time and was honorably discharged in 1957.  On June 17, 1959 he was united in marriage to Louise Prairie at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent.  Bernie and Louise began farming in the Milroy area eventually purchasing the family farm in rural Amiret from his father in 1970.  He was blessed to witness his final harvest this fall.  Bernie continued to be a man of service, serving many years on the Amiret Town Board, St. Mary’s School Board and Parish Council, and Knights of Columbus.  He took the most pride in service to family.  He and Louise had nine children, 16 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.  In addition to time with family Bernie enjoyed reading, checking the crops, following the markets, and his daily “drive around the block”.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife Louise of 54 years; children: Mary (Ken) Schimnich, Joseph (Kathy), John (Theresa), Nancy (Tim) Cameron, Stephanie (Mike) Thomas, Kristen, Allison (Jamie) Stegeman, and Susan Vickerman; grandchildren: Craig (Maureen) and Amy Schimnich, Andrea (Josh) Schreier, Bernard “Ben” and Gavin Van Moer, Timothy (Mercy) Van Moer, Jacki (Troy Olson), Kristina Van Moer, Nathan and Sarah Cameron, Lydia and John Thomas, Seyla, Maesa, and Nora Stegeman, and Anna Vickerman; great-grandchildren: Ethan Schreier, Elijah Van Moer, and Kieran Schimnich; and siblings:  Mary Jo Christopherson,  Joseph “Buzz” Van Moer, Frances Forsman, Dorothy (Tom) Wilson, and Barbara (Marion) Welch.  He is preceded in death by infant daughter Mary Louise, parents Joseph and Helen Van Moer, mother-in-law Louise Prairie; and in-laws: Rollie Moore, Robert Christopherson, Jay Forsman, Rose Van Moer, and Delores Wegele.