Richard J. "Dick" Bernick

Private services were held for Richard J. “Dick” Bernick, age 89, of St. Cloud who passed away on Friday, January 13, 2017 at Quiet Oaks surrounded by his loving family. Interment took place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery with full military honors.

Dick was born on July 10, 1927 to Francis and Betty (Langendorf) Bernick. He graduated from Cathedral High School. College education continued but he liked to say that he graduated from the “School of Hard Knocks.” He worked part-time for his father Francis “Snooky” Bernick during his teen years.

When WWII broke out, Dick felt so strongly about serving his country he joined the Merchant Marines at the age of 15 then transferred to the Navy to serve in the South Pacific. In 2014 he participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, DC that honors WWII Veterans.

After the war, Dick traveled, continued his education and became a professional photographer. He returned to work at Bernick’s, and in 1950 began his leadership of the company. Under his leadership the business grew from fewer than 10 employees to over 650, from one small building to seven facilities, providing vending services in addition to quality beverages. In 2003, Bernick’s was awarded Pepsi-Cola’s highest honor, the Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year Award. In 2016, Dick celebrated with family and Team Members, Bernick’s 100th anniversary of serving customers and community.

He married Lila Kammeier on August 6, 1949 and together they raised five children. He was happiest while spending time with his family.

Over the years, Dick served on numerous boards and service clubs, including; Stearns Bank, multiple industry trade association boards, Boys and Girls Clubs, Exchange club and others. Many community organizations have benefited from his generosity.

Dick lived his life to the fullest, he worked hard and he played hard. He and Lila loved traveling, hunting, sailing, camping and entertaining their many friends. He enjoyed meeting new people from all over the world, believing he could always learn from them. Dick especially enjoyed creating trails and deer habitats at their lake property in northern Minnesota; he cherished the nature that surrounded him.

He enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with his children and grandchildren this past November. He couldn’t stop smiling as he shared this time with his family.

Dick is survived by his wife, Lila; his five children; Pamela (Jasper Bond) of St. Cloud, Charles (DeBora) of Duluth, Mark (Kathleen) of Rice, Leslie (Aaron Netter) of Rice, and Jason (Jennifer) of Rice; eleven grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; his brother, Roy (Colleen) of Waite Park; and sister, Rita Joy (Ron Kramnic) of Folsom, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ray; infant sister, Virginia, and infant brother, David.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.