Obituary

Bernard T. Meiners, 95 of Coon Rapids, died Monday, September 1, 2025 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids surrounded by his family.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dedham. The Celebrant will be Fr. Patrick Behm, assisted by Deacon Louis Meiners. Music will be by Jane Heithoff and the St. Joseph’s Choir. Lector for the Funeral Mass will be Jill Klein. Gift Bearers will be Talina Haskins, Caitlin ThongVahn, and Amanda Meiners. Casket Bearers will be Brian Meiners, Ben Meiners, Aaron Meiners, Lucas Meiners, Jason Nees, Mike Nees, Ryan Schultes, Tyler Schultes, Jordan Schultes, Justin Meiners, and Trenton Meiners. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Dedham with military honors conducted by the Dedham American Legion.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll with a rosary at 7 p.m. The casket will be moved to St. Joseph’s Church on Friday morning where additional visitation will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at the funeral home or the church for a later designation.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Bernard’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.

A recording of Helen’s funeral mass may be found at this link: https://youtu.be/xdOLF7G-18Q.

Helen Wiskus, age 100, of Carroll and formerly of Dedham, died Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Accura Healthcare in Carroll.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dedham. Instrumental music will be by Cindy Bauer. Lector will be Dave Herring. Casket Bearers will be Scott Mueggenberg, Ben Mueggenberg, Brian Fleshner, Matthew Fleshner, Dave Herring, and Dave Dilbeck. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation without the family present will be held from 9:30-10 a.m. Friday at the church in Dedham.

Those in attendance at the funeral ceremonies will be required to wear a face covering and abide by all COVID-19 guidelines.

In lieu of Flowers, memorials may directed to St. Joseph’s Parish in Dedham, or Kuemper Catholic Tuition Assistance Fund.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll, and online condolences may be left at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Helen the daughter of Frank and Theresia (Hoffman) Berger was born on May 7, 1920 in rural Dedham. She attended St. Joseph’s School in Dedham. After her formal education she assisted on the family farm, and helped local families with their young children.

On February 15, 1955 Helen was united in marriage to Bernard Wiskus at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dedham. The couple made their home in Dedham where Helen was a devoted homemaker. In addition to being a homemaker Helen worked as a school cook for St. Joseph’s School for 17 years. Over the years she also served many weddings and anniversaries at the Dedham Legion Hall.

Helen enjoyed playing Bingo, watching sports including her children and grandchildren, the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Helen will be remembered for her apple crisp and delicious fudge she made every Christmas for her children and grandchildren. Helen was very active with the Dedham American Legion Auxiliary serving as a president, and serving for over 60 years. Helen was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Dedham, and St. Joseph’s Ladies Guild.

Left to celebrate Helen’s life are her daughters: Renee (Darrell) Mueggenberg of Arcadia, Marie (Richard) Herring of Hammond, Indiana, and Joan Fleshner of Carroll; nine grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother Elizabeth (Reineke) Berger, half-sister Anna Mae Berger; 2 half-brothers in infancy: Frederic and Louis; her husband Bernard in 1978, parents-in-law: John and Mary Wiskus, and a great-granddaughter Michaela Herring; as well as Bernard’s Brother, Sisters and their spouses.

Church Service

Friday, September 5, 2025 10:30 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
420 3rd Ave, Dedham, IA 51440

Burial

Sharp Funeral Home ~ Carroll, Iowa

226 W. 8th St., Carroll, IA, 51401

712-792-4301

[email protected]

https://www.sharpfuneral.com

Church Service

Thursday, September 4, 2025
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Sharp Funeral Home – Carroll
226 W. 8th St, Carroll, IA 50401

Friday, September 5, 2025
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
420 3rd Ave, Dedham, IA 51440

Obituary

Born March 31, 1930, he was the son of Bernard and Catherine (Rotert) Meiners. He grew up in the Dedham-Willey area and graduated from St. Mary’s School in Willey in 1943. He entered the U.S. Army July 8, 1953 and was stationed at Wurzburg, Germany. He was discharged on May 20, 1955.

Bernard married Dolores S. Halbur on January 24, 1956 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Halbur. After being married Bernard and Dolores lived 3 miles north of Dedham for two years. In 1958, they moved to the farm they purchased four miles east of Dedham. They were the parents of six children: Daniel, Dale, David, Cathleen, Christine, and Gary. Dolores passed away January 21, 1978.

On August 9, 1980, Bernard married Marita Eickman at Annunciation Catholic Church in Coon Rapids. In May 2011, Bernard and Marita moved off the farm into the town of Coon Rapids, Iowa. They made their home there for 14 years. In April 2025, they moved to Parkview Assisted Living in Coon Rapids, Iowa.

During Bernard’s lifetime, he farmed, had a dairy operation, had a cow/calf operation, and raised hogs. He retired in 1992. He is a current member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Dedham, a member of the Dedham American Legion Post #20, and a member of the Manning VFW. In July 2001 Bernard, being a Korean Veteran, had the privilege to go on the Military Honor Flight to Washington DC. Just recently he was presented with a Quilt of Valor at Thomas Rest Haven, and at the age of 95 he still enjoyed attending the Legion meetings.

Bernard loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Holiday gatherings were a treat for him to get to see most of them at one time. In his spare time Bernard enjoyed gathering black walnuts in the fall and kept busy shelling the walnuts during the winter. Family and friends benefited from the fruits of his labor.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marita Meiners; his children, Dale (Mary) Meiners of Carroll, David (Jane) Meiners of Varna, IL, Cathleen (Larry) Nees of Coon Rapids, Christine (Mark) Schultes of Dedham, and Gary (Barb) Meiners of Manson; 19 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren with 2 more coming in October; a brother Anthony (Colleen) Meiners of Carroll; 2 sisters, Catherine Wittrock of Carroll and Marcella Naberhaus of Carroll; his sisters-in-laws, Margaret (Tom) Denker of Manning, and Pat (Joe) Goblirsch of Jesup. He is also survived by Marita’s children, Richard (Sandy) Eickman of Omaha, NE, James (Joni) Eickman of Dyer, TN, Dave (Joan) Eickman of Macungie, PA, Randy (Rose) Eickman of Coon Rapids, Nancy Eickman and Jim Springer of Warren, NJ, and Karen Heck of Delano, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

Bernard was preceded in death by his first wife Dolores S. Meiners; a son Daniel J. Meiners; Marita’s son Bill Eickman; his parents Bernard and Catherine Meiners; his brothers John (Margaret) Meiners, Albert (Frances) Meiners; his brothers-in-law Clarence Wittrock, Norbert Naberhaus, Cletus (Emaline) Halbur, Norman (Inez) Halbur, Larry (JoAnn) Halbur; his brother-in-law, William (Marie) Halbur; Dolores’ parents, William and Frances Halbur, and stepmother-in-law, Josephine Halbur.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bernard T. Meiners, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Tribute Wall

icon-quote
Girls & extended family, I just don't know where to begin! I babysat you all when Helen and Benny went to bingo and early Church on Sunday. Your mom was my "cook counselor" when my mom was ill in the hospital. I was in high school and often had to call Helen to see how long to boil potatoes or corn on the cob. She was just a jewel and was always smiling. She was such a blessing to your families and to our family as well. Dedham has truly lost a legendary figure of the past. My prayers are with you girls and your families. Hugs to you all. Sherry Pomeroy Hilley

Sherry Beth Hilley – January 04 2021 at 4:10 PM

icon-quote
So sorry for your loss. You have so many memories to cherish. Praying for you and your family 🙏🙏🙏

Penny Wilkins – January 04 2021 at 6:52 PM

icon-quote
I will remember Helen with nothing but fond memories. She was always so kind and well meaning. Honestly she was one of the nicest people I have ever known. She remained loyal to her family, her friends, her community, her country and her faith. I am very sorry for your loss.

Jerry Fleshner – January 08 2021 at 12:28 AM

icon-quote
Renee, Marie and Joan - sending our sympathy to you and your families. Your mom was the sweetest gal around, never complained, so upbeat and positive, hard-working. I will never forget her hearty laugh...always enjoyed our visits! Your hearts will feel a great void, but knowing she is with your dad once again, I pray this brings you some comfort and peace. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, and may she rest in peace now and forever.

Linda Sporrer – January 04 2021 at 1:16 PM

icon-quote
Lit a candle in memory of Helen Wiskus

Deb Kanne – January 04 2021 at 2:55 PM

Send a Personalized Message: