Bernard L. “Bernie” Rumsey, 75, of Wabasha, formerly of Austin, Minn., died Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Wabasha.

Bernard was born March 30, 1937, in Austin, the son of Bernard and Lucille (Francis) Rumsey.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1957.  Bernie worked as an over the road trucker and was a diesel mechanic.  He married LaVerne “Red” Rink Dec. 17, 1961, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

He was an active member and past commander of the Wabasha American Legion Post No. 50 and a member of the Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post #4086.  He was also a member of the American Legion Riders organization. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music and especially riding his motorcycle.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Red Rumsey, Wabasha, Minn.; daughter, Lois (Vincent) Wegner, Wabasha, Minn.; sons, David Iverson, Dover, Del.; Jim Rumsey (Romi Kowalk), Kellogg, Minn.; step-daughter, Deb (Jerry) Fogal, Lanesboro, Minn.; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; brothers, Donald (Mary Ann) Rumsey, Rumback, Germany, Francis “Howard” (Marilyn) Rumsey, Austin, Minn.; sisters, Joan Bustad, Austin, Minn., Pat Anderson, Blooming Prairie, Minn.; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by granddaughter, Kendra Jo Rumsey, his parents, Bernard and Lucille Rumsey and two brothers, Leon and Ben Rumsey.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha with the Rev. James Clausen of the United Church of Christ officiating. Military rites will be performed by the Wabasha American Legion and VFW Posts. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. and one hour before the service on Wednesday. The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements.