With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bernard Douglas Brusseau, who left this world on December 26, 2025, in Erie, Colorado.

Bernard – known to most as Bernie – was born on February 27, 1931, in Jefferson, South Dakota, to Louis and Florama Brusseau. He was raised on the family homestead farm between Jefferson and Elk Point, where long days of hard work were simply part of life. Alongside his sister Doris, Bernie learned responsibility early, helping with manual farm labor tasks, raising cattle and chickens. Those years shaped his strong work ethic, quiet determination, and practical skills that stayed with him throughout his life.

Bernie graduated from Elk Point High School in 1950. Soon after, while working as an apprentice plumber, he met Betty Miller. From the start, it was clear she would be his lifelong partner. After a short courtship and Bernie’s enlistment in the United States Navy, they were married on March 26, 1951. Together they shared nearly 70 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, loyalty, and family – until Betty’s passing in 2020.

While serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Corregidor (CVU-58), Bernie discovered a natural talent for mechanics. Following his honorable discharge in 1954, he carried those skills into civilian life becoming a Master Diesel Mechanic. Bernie worked on projects that helped build the country, from South Dakota’s Oahe Dam, I-90 & I-29 construction projects to railroad grades and uranium mining operations in Wyoming. He took great pride in honest work and in knowing how things functioned and fit together.

Bernie and Betty’s life together included many moves and adventures. They spent Bernie’s Navy years in Schenectady, NY and Boston, MA, before returning to South Dakota to settle down and raise their children in Sioux Falls, Pierre, and Spearfish. In their later years, they moved to Erie, CO to be close to their daughters. Wherever they lived, family was always the center of their world.

Bernie was strong in his Catholic faith, active with Betty in their church community, and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus – rooted in fellowship, service, and support, the values Bernie lived by. He enjoyed camping and boating on weekends with friends and family, supporting local high school sports teams, and attending BHSU Yellow Jackets games. Bernie always found joy in the simple things – attending grandchildren’s events, working with his hands in the woodshop, watching movies, and cheering on the Denver Broncos. But mostly, he loved striking up conversations with people he met along the way. He had a calm presence, a kind heart, and a way of making others feel comfortable just by being himself.

Bernie is lovingly remembered by his children: Doug (Janet) Brusseau of Elk Point, SD; Steve Brusseau of Erie, CO; Jeff (Lori) Brusseau of Pierre, SD; Tania Brusseau of Erie, CO; and Toni (Craig) Whitlock of Erie, CO.

He leaves behind grandchildren Desiree (Troy) Hokeness and Chris (Maria) Brusseau; Sara Brusseau, Jaime Brusseau, and Caitlin (Heath) Rousseau; and Tyler Whitlock, Téa Whitlock, and Navi Whitlock; as well as great-grandchildren Carson, Emerson, and Addisyn Hokeness; Ella, Owen, and Elin Brusseau; Abby Brusseau; and Mia Rousseau.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty and his great-grandson Landon Hokeness, whom he now holds close again.

Bernie’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched with his love, hard work, and steady presence. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Funeral services will be announced at a later date. Memorial information will be shared when available.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com