Bernard Purviance, 86, of Stuart passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at University Park Nursing and Rehab in Des Moines. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday, May 6th at All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart. Rosary service will begin at 6:30 PM. Memorial Mass will be at 10 AM on Saturday, May 7th at All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Stuart. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bernard Purviance Memorial Fund and sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Bernard was born on August 8, 1929 to Foster and Sylvia (Moyer) Purviance in Guthrie County, Iowa. He grew up in the Dale City area and attended schools at Frog Pond Country School. He later attended Panora High School where he graduated with the class of 1947. On August 19, 1950 he was united in marriage to Patricia Doherty in Redfield, Iowa. To this union they were blessed with a daughter, Julie born in 1957. Bernard enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 where he served our country in the Korean War. Following his honorary discharge he settled in Des Moines. He began working as a Des Moines Fire Department as a firefighter, a career that spanned nearly 40 years. He attained a rank of Lieutenant within his career. Bernard also worked several jobs in his spare time at Elliot Flying Service and was member of the Stagehands Union where he would work shows throughout the state.
In his younger years, Bernard loved carpentry, doing mechanical work, especially Honda Gold Wing Motorcycles, ATV’s, golfing and flying his airplanes. He enjoyed competing in pool and archery tournaments. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Foster and Sylvia Purviance; brothers, Robert and Leland Purviance; and several aunts and uncles.
Bernard leaves behind his daughter, Julie (Steve) Brown of Stuart; grandsons, Clinton Brown of Clarinda and Shane Brown of West Des Moines; sister, Wanda Gray of Ohio; wife of 37 years, Patricia of Stuart; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends that will miss him dearly.
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6
May
All Saints Drive
Stuart, IA 50250
Rosary to be recited at 6:30 PM
7
May
All Saints Drive
Stuart, IA 50250
Luncheon to follow the committal service in the church hall.
105th. Street
Stuart, IA 50250
Johnson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Stuart Chapel • 123 Northeast Secon Street, Stuart, IA 50250 • Phone: (515) 523-1200
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