Bernard Thomas Tigges was born on July 10, 1935, in Burt, Iowa, to Fred and Mary (Droessler) Tigges. He grew up on a farm southwest of Bancroft. Bernard graduated from St. John’s Catholic School in Bancroft in 1953.

Bernard “Bernie” lived life to the fullest and overcame two serious health setbacks due to rheumatic fever when he was in high school. At the time, his doctor told him that he probably would not live past the age of 30.

Bernard and his forever dance partner, Mary Ann Reding, met at the Plantation Ballroom in Whittemore. They were united in marriage on April 8, 1958, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Whittemore, where they attended Mass together for the next 67 and a half years of their marriage.

Bernard and Mary Ann farmed at Lone Rock from 1958-1965. They bought their farm north of Fenton in 1965, where they raised their four children: Doug, Jan, Mark, and Merle.

They lived a life filled with Jesus, family and a lot of hard work. Polka dancing, entertaining family and friends, and hosting card parties brought them joy. Bernard relished the opportunity to banter with friends and family to keep things lively.

Bernard was quick-witted and very good with numbers. He loved the land and farming, looking at his crops, raising livestock, and coming up with simple economical farm solutions. Bernard loved farming so much that he was still able to get in the combine and harvest corn during the 2024 fall harvest season.

Bernard and Mary Ann ran their DEKALB Seed Sales business for over 25 years and met many new friends. He was a board member and past president of the Kossuth Mutual/Heartland Mutual Insurance Association, Kossuth Cattlemen’s Association, Pork Producers, and the Iowa Corn & Soybean Association. He enjoyed driving his restored 1930 Ford Model A with a rumble seat and 1936 18-27 Oliver Hart-Parr in local parades. He loved driving his Model A for the last time at “Bernie’s BBQ” in July 2024.

The grandkids cherish many memories with Grandpa, especially those involving gator rides and the infamous golf cart that Grandpa bought for them to ride around. Lingering evidence of good times still remains on the farm.

Although we are overrun with emotions with Bernard passing only seven days after laying Mary Ann to rest, we feel great peace that they are together again for eternity. They left big rocks in the bottom of our family jar that will forever guide us. They were always there to listen and gave sound advice when asked. Their unconditional love, words of wisdom and reminders of what’s important in life were shared with us right up to the end of theirs. For that we are so thankful.

Bernard peacefully passed away on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at Kossuth Regional Health Center at the age of 90.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann, his parents, brothers Ed (Mae)Tigges and Marvin Tigges, sister Alice, sisters-in-law Mary Jo Tigges, Helen (Ross) Inman, and Alice (Ivan) Mader, brother-in-law, John Reding and nephews: Alan Tigges and David Inman.

He is survived by his children: Doug (Barb) Tigges of Woodbury, Minn., Jan (Ron) Bisbee of Winterport, Maine, Mark (Dianne)Tigges of Mason City, Iowa, and Merle (Kelly) Tigges of Fenton, Iowa. Grandchildren: Andrew, Kayla (Sam), and Nathan Tigges; Wyatt and Tanner (Emma) Bisbee; and Maleri (Clinton) Schilling, Madison (Johnny) Kettering, Meredith and Madelyn Tigges and Great- Grandchildren: June, Mack, and Eugene Schilling. His brother Gene (Charlene) Tigges of Armstrong and sister-in-law Mary Tigges of Algona, many nieces and nephews, and their Tigges and Reding families, and many special friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of Accura of Bancroft Healthcare and KRHC for caring compassionately for Bernard. And thank you to Divine Mercy Parishes and Oakcrest for care in arrangements. And a special thank you to Father Matthew for anointing and blessing Bernard and for guiding us in prayer during the most difficult of times.

Arrangements were handled by Oakcrest Funeral Services. Condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

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