Howard Bernatz, age 99, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026, surrounded by family at WinnMed in Decorah, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, 604 W Broadway Street, Decorah, Iowa, with Pastor Mike Wilker presiding. Burial will be in Phelps cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday morning at the church.

Howard Wallace Bernatz was born August 9, 1927, in Decorah to Albert L. and Agnes C. (Holm) Bernatz. Howard lived a full and active life and, throughout his 99 years, loved being around people, telling stories, sharing a smile or laugh, and enjoying life.

Howard graduated from Decorah Senior High School in 1945. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army. Howard had his sights set on becoming a paratrooper and wanted to volunteer for the airborne. However, the rules stated that draftees could not be accepted for airborne training. Not to be deterred, Howard discharged from the Army and immediately enlisted so he could pursue his goal of becoming a paratrooper.

After completing jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, Howard prepared to ship out to Europe. Just days before his unit was scheduled to leave, eight names were called out—including Howard’s. Those eight men were left behind to serve as clerks because they had taken typing in high school. Howard remained at Fort Benning until receiving his honorable discharge in 1947.

Howard then traveled back to Decorah on the Indian motorcycle he had purchased. Being young and feeling invincible, he rode long and hard, eventually ending up in a ditch with a damaged motorcycle. Once the motorcycle was repaired, the trip continued.

Back in Decorah, Howard enrolled at Luther College and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his time at Luther, he began dating Wanda Anderson. They were united in marriage on August 19, 1951, at First Lutheran Church. Two daughters, Jana and Kari, were born to this union.

Howard became a salesman for Swift and traveled throughout many different states selling meat. In 1968, he was offered a teaching position at the newly opened Community College in Calmar, now Northeast Iowa Community College, where he taught Retail Marketing. In 1978, he accepted the position of Continuing Education Coordinator and remained there until his retirement in 1990, completing 22 years of service with the college.

Howard was an avid golfer and a member of Oneota Golf & Country Club. In addition to golf, he enjoyed travel, watching sports, and the outdoors. He was also an enthusiastic fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs and The Bears.

Howard and Wanda loved to dance and were known to “put the band to bed” on numerous occasions. Having fun was important to both Howard and Wanda, and laughter was abundant in the Bernatz home, where many jokes and great stories were shared.

In retirement, Howard and Wanda loved to “snowbird” in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. They made many friends from across the United States and Canada and enjoyed their winters there for many years, until Wanda’s health prevented them from continuing their travels.

After Wanda passed away in 2014, Howard continued to live on his own in their home. He decided it was time to spice up his car travels and purchased a white 2014 Chevy Camaro with a red racing stripe. Howard loved driving that car—even in the winter. He especially enjoyed watching people’s reactions as they watched this 98-year-old man climb out of his sports car and head into Your Place, the Elks, or the VFW.

Howard entered The Highlands in Decorah in February. He quickly became an active resident, participating in many activities, happy hours, and enjoying conversations with the other residents and staff. He continued to enjoy people and make friends wherever he went.

Howard is survived by his daughters, Jana Cunningham of Decorah and Kari (Gregg) Rude of Decorah; grandsons, Jason (Lisa) Rude of New Hampton and Jared (Amanda) Rude of Decorah; and his five great-grandchildren, Landon Rude, Lillian Rude, Riley Rude, Lyla Rude, and James Rude.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda, on March 4, 2014; his parents, Albert (Babe) and Agnes (Holm) Bernatz; his stepmother, Gladys Bernatz; brothers, Durwin Bernatz, Gerald Bernatz, and Albert G Bernatz .; sister-in-law, Alice (Hanson) Bernatz; and son-in-law, Patrick J Cunningham.

The family is eternally grateful to the staff of The Highlands for the incredible care and support they provided to Howard. Your kindness, concern, and dedication will not be forgotten. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and the entire ER staff. Your professionalism, compassion, and kindness were a comfort during one of the hardest times. We are deeply grateful to all of you.

Howard lived 99 years to the fullest. He loved his family, his friends, a good story, a good laugh, and never took life—or himself—too seriously. Even in his later years, Howard continued to find ways to have fun and enjoy life. Perhaps nothing captured his spirit better than his white Camaro with the red racing stripe. That was Howard—independent, spirited, quick-witted, and always ready for a little fun. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.