Bernard Joseph McGee, 97, of Austin, Minnesota, died at his home on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017.

Bernie was born Aug. 18, 1920, in Fremont Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa. He was the youngest of nine siblings. During the Great Depression, Bernie joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he earned $30 a month building dams, bridges and working in rock quarries. After the CCC, he traveled throughout Iowa building barns for work. In July 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He served in combat as a Gunners Mate 2nd Class on P.T. Boat 347, in the South Pacific during World War II.

On May 6, 1947, he was united in marriage to Irene Cummings in Cresco, Iowa. The couple moved to Austin in 1948, where they had four children. Bernie was a Local 1382 Union carpenter for more than 70 years. Among many projects, he was involved in the building of the new Hormel plant, the Twin Towers, and he worked on several Main Street buildings. After a full day of work, Bernie would work as a handyman.

Bernie was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the VFW, the Eagles Club, and the American Legion. He was always physically active. He was a hard worker and always stayed busy. When he was not working, he loved fishing at Lake Vermillion. He also had a large garden in his backyard every summer. Bernie enjoyed woodworking in his garage, he loved riding his bike, and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Irene McGee, Austin; son, James (Sheri) McGee, Austin; daughters, Susan Bothun, Austin, Ann McGee, Austin, and Mary Huemann, Albert Lea, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Carmen Weber, Skot McGee, Mike Merten, Kelly Walton, Brad Bothun, and Lindsey Haney; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; eight siblings, Leo, Emmett, Paul, and Daniel McGee, Lucille Peterson, Ester Roberts, Rosella Skogerboe, and Vera Ullwelling; and sons-in-law, Peter Merten and Vaughn Bothun.

A special thank you to Ann McGee, Sherri McGee and Crystal Hinrichs for their care which allowed Bernie and Irene to remain in their home together.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Jim Steffes officiating, Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial of Bernard’s ashes will be held at a later date when he will be united with the love of his life, Irene, at Calvary Cemetery.