Bernard Buchholz, 86

Twin Valley – Bernard Buchholz, age 86, of Twin Valley, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. Bernard Gordon Buchholz, the son of Bernhardt and Gyda (Wemager) Buchholz, was born on April 5, 1936, in Mahnomen. As a young child, he lived in or near Flom. He attended high school in Twin Valley, graduating in 1954. Shortly after graduating Bernie entered the United States Army. Following his dedicated service and honorable discharge, he returned to Minnesota. Using his GI Bill, Bernie furthered his education, studying mechanics, transmission repair, and drafting at the vocational school in Thief River Falls. In 1958, Bernard was united in marriage to Sharon LaFriniere and they were blessed with two children, Tamera and Perry. The family spent several years in Thief River Falls before moving to Detroit Lakes, where Bernie owned and operated a Standard Oil Station. A few years later, he accepted a job with Detroiter Mobile Homes out of Red Lake Falls moving his family back to Thief River Falls. Later, Bernie was hired as the Director of Transportation for Thief River Falls Public School District.
Although he enjoyed his job with the school district, his true passion was cars. So he purchased a small commercial property and opened his own business, Auto Mart, where he bought and sold cars. In 1977 their son Perry, then 16 years old, tragically passed away. With broken hearts, Bernard and Sharon later divorced.
Bernie sold Auto Mart to go west. He spent time in Montana and Nevada where he married Norma Jean White in June of 1980. They made their home in Tonkawa Oklahoma where they owned and operated an Amoco Station which later became the second Auto Mart. Norma passed away in January 1999 and Bernie decided to move back home to Minnesota. He lived in the Valley Pines Apartments in Twin Valley for nearly 15 years.
While in Twin Valley, he reunited with many friends and worked as a transport driver helping others get to appointments. Bernie was also an active member of Aspelund Lutheran Church, near Flom, where he attended regularly. He served on the church council, as an usher, and eagerly assisted with the Mother’s Day donuts and coffee each year. An avid NASCAR fan, his favorite driver was Dale Jarrett. He collected diecast cars and trucks. He collected coins and guns. He liked to hunt and fish and ride his snowmobile.
Alzheimer’s would eventually steal his health. As his health declined, he became a resident of the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He treasured the time he spent with his daughter and loved his grandkids and visits from his family and friends.
Bernie is survived by his daughter, Tami (Doug) Copley of Cushing; four grandchildren, Cody (Carrie) Buchholz, Lindsey Copley, Jason (Tara) Copley, and Josie Copley; eight great grandchildren; one brother, Boyd (Shirley) Buchholz; and two sisters, Imogene “Jeannie” Jacobson, and Linda Olson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma; his son, Perry; and sister, Donna (Perry) Laten.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 2 p.m., at Aspelund Lutheran Church, rural Flom.
Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley, www.andersonfamilyfh.com.
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