Funeral services were held for Darwin Bernu age 90, of New York Mills, on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills, with Pastor Nicholas Kandoll officiating. Congregational hymns were accompanied by Louise Amberg Jokela. Pallbearers were Bryce Bernu, Rob Bernu, Matt Bernu, Derek Frost, Marisa Zutter and Betsy Kanz. Military Honors were provided by Charles D. Center V.F.W. Post #3289 of New York Mills and the Minnesota Army National Guard. Darwin will be laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery at a later date. 

Darwin Eugene William Bernu was born to Matt and Esther (Korkala) Bernu on May 8, 1932 in New York Mills. He was baptized and confirmed at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills. Darwin attended Country School District 133 through the eighth grade. He attended New York Mills High School and later received an honorary diploma. When he was young, he worked for farmers and could fix anything that was broken. 

Darwin proudly served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. He began his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and then transferred to Fort Rucker in Alabama to finish his training. 

On August 1, 1959 Darwin was united in marriage to June Hendrickson in New York Mills. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Myron, Dave and Sandy. 

Darwin was employed at the Iron Ore Mines for 40 years, and retired in 1990. He was known for his spit shine cars in his younger days. He loved auction sales, John Deere tractors and especially loved his family. 

On March 14, 2023 Darwin passed away at Perham Health Hospital at 90 years of age. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Preceding Darwin in death were his parents, Matt and Esther; brothers: Donald (Arlene) Bernu; Delbert (Carolyn) Bernu; sister, Dorothy (Rudy) Ranta; infant baby; great-grandson, Abel Bernu; and brother-in-law, Marlow Salo. 

Darwin is survived by his wife, June Bernu of New York Mills; children: Myron (Terrie) Bernu of New York Mills, Dave (Jennifer)Bernu of Parkers Prairie and Sandy (Jon) Frost of New York Mills; grandchildren: Marisa (Sam) Zutter, Derek (Robyn) Frost, Rob (Michelle) Bernu, Matt (Brooke) Bernu, Bryce (Lauren) Bernu and Betsy (Eric) Kanz; great-grandchildren: Jaeger, Ryker and Vaeda Zutter; Annabelle and Beau Bernu; Stella, Asher and Jackson Bernu; Caleb and Cole Frost; sister, Dorla Salo; brother, Duane (Irene) Bernu; brother-in-;aw: Jack (Shirley) Hendrickson; many other relatives and a host of friends. 

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to send Darwin’s family a message of comfort and support. 

Arrangements are provided by Karvonen Funeral and Cremation Services.