Bernard E. "Barney" Ilertsen

CORVALLIS - Bernard "Barney" Elmer Ilertsen, 90, of Corvallis passed away Sunday, April 27, 2014 of heart failure. He was born February 15, 1924 in Eagle Bend, MN the son of Eunice and Elmer Ilertsen.
Barney grew up on "The Farm" and graduated from Eagle Bend High School. He attended St. Cloud Teachers College and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Barney served with the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves and retired as a Captain after 25 years of service. He served during World War II with the Tenth Mountain Division, which he stayed active with throughout his life. Barney then worked for the Whittier Police Department in California until his retirement in 1986.
After he retired, Barney moved to Hamilton. He traveled extensively and was a 29 year member of the Hamilton Elks. Barney was also a lifetime member of the V.F.W. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved his family and country.
Barney was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elizabeth Hendricks; his wife, Lola Jean Irby; his daughter, Kristy Ilertsen; and his son, Ron Bousquet. He is survived by his children, Dane (Lynette) Ilertsen, Kay Ilertsen, Jim (Pat) Bousquet,Patti (Ted) Boldt, Mike (Naomi) Bousquet and Peggie (Jay) Noffsinger; his daughter-in-law, Lynette Bousquet; 18 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and his faithful dog, Gus.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made in Barney's name to the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St., Hamilton, MT 59840.