Bernie Wernli

Hastings Funeral Home in Perry is in charge of arrangements for Bernie Wernli, 85, of Norwalk. Bernie died March 17, 2022 at his home. Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry. Visitation will start one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Linden, Iowa. Bernie Harold Wernli lived a long life, full of joy and happiness. He was born in Perry, Iowa, on July 14, 1936, to Harold and Dorothy Wernli. His father died when Bernie was 18 months old and his mother remarried two years later to Virgil Bivins. Growing up on a farm, he spent his days doing chores, drawing, being involved in 4-H, and playing with the family dog, Runner. After graduating from high school, he met the love of his life, Virginia, and they married in 1958. Bernie pursued his love of drawing at the Omaha Art School, then was drafted into the Army in 1959. After serving in active duty for two years, he began his career as a commercial artist for the Vernon Company in Newton, Iowa, where he worked for 39 years. Bernie and Virginia had two daughters, ReNae and Julia, and were active in their lives. Bernie was also very active in his church community, serving in every way he could. Bernie faced many challenges in his life. Although not officially diagnosed, in his later life a doctor suggested he had dyslexia. Knowing this did not fix the years of struggling with reading and math, but it did help him understand why it was so difficult. Despite the arduous nature of the reading process, Bernie studied the Bible and became well versed in it. That book gave him the understanding of what is important and became the foundation of his life. Another major challenge he faced was a congenital liver defect so severe that a transplant was needed by age 67. The years waiting for a new liver forced him into retirement as well as to curtail his activities. Nonetheless, he faced this challenge with courage and a positive attitude. He continued on without complaint or feeling sorry for himself. The difficulties he faced in life helped define him as a fighter and a wonderful example of grace through trials. Art played a significant role in Bernie's life. Through the years, he continued developing his skills, as well as freely giving of his artistic talent by making greeting cards. Many people received those special, hand-crafted cards and still have them to this day. Even though he enjoyed art, his real happiness came from family. He delighted in his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of 63 years; daughters ReNae (Brian) Shaw and Julia (Tom) Carmichael. Grandchildren include Amanda (Ray) Burns, Brian (Heidi) Carmichael, Courtney (Nathan) Creech, Chelsea (Ben) Shoemaker, Cara Shaw and Chloe Shaw. Great-grandchildren are Emma, Maximus, Julianna, and Adelina Burns; Clark Carmichael; and Roran Creech. Bernie died on March 17, 2022, in the comfort of his home at the end of his many medical complications. His greatest joy in life was his faith in God and his walk with Jesus. Even though he had difficult times throughout his life, he found comfort in the promises of eternal life. He looked forward to having a spiritual body, free of the limitations he faced in this lifetime. 1. Go to your web browser and type in www.facebook.com/hastingsfuneral 2. Or type in Hastings Funeral Home Perry, Iowa 3. Click on our funeral home website 4. Click on the blue bar that says WATCH VIDEO It should say LIVE in red up in the left hand corner of the video Previous Events Visitation MAR 22. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CT) Hastings Funeral Home - Perry 1417 Second Street Perry, IA 50220 (515) 465-4691 hastings@minburncomm.net Funeral Service MAR 22. 11:00 AM (CT) Hastings Funeral Home - Perry 1417 Second Street Perry, IA 50220 (515) 465-4691 hastings@minburncomm.net