Bernard Brodkorb

BRODKORB, BERNARD L. Age 80, of Forest Lake, MN passed away on May 20th, 2021 Preceded in death by his parents Bernard L Brodkorb, Sr. and Eleanor McCormick Survived by his wife of 32 years, Linda Brodkorb, sister Sharon Timmons (Dave). Bernie is also survived by his first wife, Kathleen Brodkorb and their children, Mary Lauber (Bob), Julie Brodkorb (Dave), Susan Larry, Michael Brodkorb (Sarah) and Kathleen Wagner-Hancock (Randy), and Linda's children, Stacy Bosacker (Dan) and Jamie David (Theresa). Grandchildren Sarah, Annie, Tony, Loren, Benny, Elizabeth, Abigail, Benjamin, Dylan, Luke, Lindsey, Rachel, Megan, Curtis, Hunter, Amber and Jarrett. Great-Grandchildren, Kylie, Addison, Destini, Davion, Daxton & Bauer. Bernie grew up in South St. Paul, Minnesota, where he graduated from high school in 1959. Bernie played hockey during his high school years at South St. Paul, including three state tournament visits. His nickname was “Peach” due to his red hair and fair skin. Bernie attended the College of St. Thomas, where he majored in Accounting and joined the Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, where he eventually become President during his senior year of college. Bernie was proud of his years at St. Thomas and remained in touch with his fraternity brothers and other college friends. The University of St. Thomas held an exceptional place in his heart throughout his entire life. After college, Bernie joined the accounting firm of Englehart & Co, then Mangin & Company before he ventured out and started a 50-year career with his own company, Brodkorb & Associates. To everyone who knew Bernie, he was one of the most dedicated and experienced accountants that they knew. For the many thousands of clients who walked through the doors of his offices over his long career, Bernie never turned anyone away, even if it was a tax deadline date and they wanted their tax return done if someone had a tax question or just wanted to chat. Bernie always had his notebooks and pencils to keep track of his clients and what needed to be completed before the end of each day. He never went anywhere without them; ask his wife or children. Bernie was a very proud father and grandfather. He made sure to attend as many school or sporting events that his grandchildren participated, including many basketball, hockey, and softball games. Bernie enjoyed hunting on his land in McGregor, fishing in Canada, enjoying pontoon rides with Linda at their home in Forest Lake and relaxing at their condominium in Melbourne, Florida. Bernie & Linda enjoyed having their sizable extended family join them for 4th of July summer parties where he would have all the water toys waiting for his grandchildren to enjoy. Christmas with Bernie always meant a visit from Santa Clause each for all the grandchildren and his own children with no one being left off of Santa’s lap, including Bernie & Linda, before presents were given out. He always enjoyed having all his kids and grandchildren around and took great pleasure when all 7 children and 23 grandchildren were all in the same place at the same time. Bernie was a huge Minnesota Viking Fan who held season tickets with his father going back to the first year that the Vikings joined the NFL in 1961. He spent many chilly & snowy Sunday’s at Vikings game in his father’s “Purple Bus” at old Metropolitan Stadium, then off to the Metrodome, before finally landing at the new US Bank Stadium in 2016. Bernie was the ultimate Viking Fan, cheering at the games for their big wins, but disappointed like many others, never getting to see a Super Bowl win during his life. We will miss Bernie’s laugh, his words of wisdom, mostly tax focused, but mostly the love he shared for his wife, his children and grandchildren. He was a very proud (but humble) man who wanted nothing more than to ensure his family was taken care of and were all happy. A private, family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday, June 3rd at the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas. Please join the family for a Celebration of Bernie’s Life to be held on June 3rd from 5-7 pm at the TST Creative Catering and Ideal Hall. 1494 Dale Street N. St. Paul In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Our Lady of Peace Hospice or the University of St. Thomas Alumni in Bernie’s name.