Leo Bernu

Leo Bernu was born March 9,1922 in Heinola, Minnesota to John Effer and Hulda Marie Bernu.  In 1928 his family moved to a farm 3 miles southeast of New York Mills. Leo and his brothers grew up on this farm, attending country school for the first eight years, finishing high school in New York Mills. Leo graduated with the class of 1941. After high school Leo enlisted in the US Navy Pilot program where he learned to fly combat  aircraft. He became an Ensign Commissioned Officer with the designation of US Naval Aviator. After completing initial training he was sent for advanced training in San Diego. The war called and he was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Bairoko and headed for the South Pacific Sea war zone. The daunting maneuvers that were required brought him into the fold of the Tail Hookers Club, an elite membership of comrades assigned with precision landings on rocking carriers at sea during wartime. After release from active duty in 1946, he joined the Navy reserves as a trainer and mentor for new pilots at airfields in the Minneapolis area. During time off he worked on the family farm as well as enjoyed his favorite pursuits of hunting, fishing, golfing and playing baseball with the “Millers” the local New York Mills baseball team. 

In 1965, his time with the reserves coming to an end, and carrying the rank of Lieutenant Commander, he became involved with work in cooperative organizations one of them being the 
Cenex corporation headquartered in South Saint Paul. From there, an international employment opportunity presented itself. The United States was sending advisors and military 
supplies to Vietnam and Leo accepted an advisor role for the US Banking department in Saigon, South Vietnam. The war escalated and after four and a half years working in Vietnam, 
the US terminated this civilian program and Leo returned to Minneapolis, establishing a career in real estate.  After the heat of the tropics the cold months of Minnesota sent Leo to California and Arizona during the winter with warmer months spent on the family farm in Mills. His time was filled with “improvement projects “ on the farm, exploring the challenges of different golf courses 
throughout the area and devoting time to family and friends. (A competitive game of Whist was usually included!) His passion for flying remained and he jumped at the opportunity to fly any 
type of aircraft from two seaters to jets. 

Leo is preceded in death by his parents Effer and Hulda Bernu, brothers Rudolph, Bruno, Orville, Ernie and Harley, sisters in law Gerry Bernu, Georgine Bernu, Dagmar Bernu, nephew Bruce and spouse Irene and his longtime companion Peggy Roulier. 

Leo lived a life filled with great pride in his service to our country. He was an international traveler with a kaleidoscope of extraordinary stories, the keeper of a cherished family and 
farmstead. He maintained an enduring connection with all those dear to him. He is forever remembered, forever loved.

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