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Maynard R. Bernard ‘Ota Taopi’ Many Wounds




GRENVILLE – Maynard R. Bernard, “Ota Taopi” Many Wounds, 89, made his journey to the Spirit World on Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Sisseton.

Maynard was born on September 29, 1927 in Old Agency to Lavina Blackstone and Aaron Bernard. He married Florine Owen in June 13, 1958. To this union was Conrad (Randi) Bernard of Moorhead, Minn., Pamela (Mark) Keoke of Old Agency, Audrey Locke-Bernard (deceased), Sandi Bernard of Sisseton, Lynette (Mike) Peters of Grenville, Lorinda (Theodore) Sampson of Grenville, Jacqueline (Tom) Adams of Sisseton and Tina Bernard of Sisseton. He has 25 Grandchildren, 45 Great grandchildren and 6 Great-great grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his mother and father Lavina and Aaron Bernard; sisters, Estelline Two Stars, Delvina Bernard, Olivia Bernard, Louise Bernard, and Faye Bernard and brothers Aaron Bernard, Jr., Lester Bernard and Edward Bernard, wife Florine Bernard, daughter Audrey Bernard, grandsons Marquette Crawford and Joseph Burshia, great granddaughter Tavon Bernard.

He is survived by his brother Orsen Bernard.

Maynard served in the army from October 13, 1948 to June 14, 1952 earning the Purple Heart, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Bronze Star Medal, Cold War Certificate, Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars, Korean Ambassador Peace Time. He was with the 1st wave that entered Korea. He then entered the Air Force on January 11, 1956 to April 10, 1961 and earned an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Then he was in the North Dakota National Air guard and received North Dakota National guard Service Medal and retired on September 26, 1987. He had 23 years of service.

He worked as a Police officer in Pine Ridge, worked in VA Fargo, he was the 1st tribal judge for SWO, and also drove bus for Enemy Swim. He retired from Civil Service with 20 years of service. He served as a councilman from 1983-1987, representing the Enemy Swim District. He enjoyed coaching his daughters in basketball and softball. He supported his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them in the sports they chose to play in.

Funeral Services were held March 6, at the Enemy Swim Community Center with Fr. Charles Chan and Pastor Milton Owen officiating. Pianist held by Deb Rumpza. And special music was held by Butch Felix and Drum Group Old Agency Singers “Bernard Boys”. Pallbearers were Heath Keoke, David Bernard, Brendon Bernard, Cole Bernard, Alex Marks, Colby Crawford, Sampson Bernard, Josh Keeble, Dean Iyarpeya, Derrick Locke and Aaron Bernard. Honorary Pallbearers are all of Maynard’s relatives and friends. Military Rites provided by United Veterans Association with David Flute playing the TAPS. Interment was je;d in the Bernard Family Cemetery in Pickeral Lake. The All Night Wake Services were held at the Enemy Swim Community Center on March 4 and 5.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to The Cahill Funeral Chapel in Sisseton.



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