Bernard C. "Mickey" Nearman

Bernard Charles Nearman
JEFFERSON, S.D. -- Bernard Charles "Mickey" Nearman, 85, of Jefferson passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2007, at his home. He died an American hero and hero to the family and friends who loved him on his favorite day of the year.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Jefferson, with the Rev. David Roehrich officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, with military honors. A family rosary will be said 3 p.m. today at the church. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a parish vigil service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Christy-Smith Berkemier Chapel.
Mickey was born in Lyman, Colo., on Oct. 28, 1921, to Charles and Cora (Bernard) Nearman. He received his nickname at birth for being born "as tiny as an Irish Mick," and it remained with him throughout his entire life. He moved to Jefferson at the age of two, which he would call home the rest of his days. After attending Jefferson High School, Mickey joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1942. As a World War II veteran, he served our country with modest bravery as a corporal in the European Theater.
When he had completed his service, he drove straight to Ashton, Iowa, to find and marry his sweetheart, June Faith Thies. They were united in matrimony there on June 10, 1946. They then moved to make a loving home in their Jefferson redwood farmhouse for the next 61 years with their 10 children and 42 grandchildren. In addition to running the family farm and participating in their active household, Mickey welded at Load King Trailer Company until 1988.
Mickey was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church for 83 years. He was an active community member his entire adult life. He was active on the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Island School Board. He also served in the Elk Point American Legion Post 134 and VFW organizations for more than 55 years, with utmost respect for all men and women who risked their lives for our personal freedom.
Mickey might have been a man of slight stature, but he had great strength of heart, body and mind. He will forever be remembered for his quiet kindness, his saintly presence, his quick wit and his love for his family, friends, animals and nature. Anyone who knew him, knew he lived a great life and made life better for those around him. His family takes comfort in knowing that his steadfast values and loyalty will love on in the many generations of children that have had the honor of sharing their lives with him.
With great blessing, Mickey is survived by his wife and their children and spouses, Marcia and Virgil Mollet Jr. of Jefferson, Michael and Mary Nearman of Alpharetta, Ga., Craig and Vicki Nearman of Elk Point, S.D., Scott and Chris Nearman of Elk Point, Marilyn Scott of Jefferson, Todd Nearman of Jefferson, Tama and Tim Zeller of Elk Point, Jana Pointkowsky of Valencia, Calif., Jaclyn and Tom Corio of Elk Point and Brett and Laura Nearman of Jefferson; his 26 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He also will be lovingly remembered by a brother, Charles Nearman and wife, Carol of Reno, Nev.; a sister, Mary and husband, Russ Lehman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a brother-in-law and his wife, Terry and Harriet Thies of Arcadia, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.
Mickey was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Charlotte Lee; and two brothers-in-law, Junior and Orvalee Thies.