Edward "Bernie" Bernhardt Oyaas

Edward “Bernie” Bernhardt Oyaas, age 94, of Hickory, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Loving friends surrounded him and he was smiling, quiet and sharp as a pin until the very end. Bernie was born in Great Falls, Montana on March 31,1928 to the late Einar Bernhardt Oyaas and Opal Gardner Oyaas.

In addition to his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mary Pattillo “Maripat” Oyaas.

Bernie grew up in Clinton, Iowa. After finishing high school, he attended Grinnell College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics. He then attended The University of Iowa, College of Law and obtained a Juris Doctor with Distinction. Bernie also attended Northwestern University for various accounting courses and National Trust Graduate School.

He served our country in the US Army for two years, including one year in Japan doing counter intelligence work. He practiced law in Chicago for four years; working as a trust officer for several banks. He retired as vice president and trust officer of First Union National Bank.

Bernie was a long time member of Kiwanis at the club, division, and district levels in many capacities. He was an active member in many civic activities in various communities such as: Hi-Y advisor, Red Cross Chapter Chairman, Secretary-Treasurer of Hickory Mayor’s Committee for persons with disabilities, Treasurer of Catawba County Mayors Committee for person’s with disabilities, member of United Way Board, Member of Salvation Army Advisory Boards; including serving as treasurer, Catawba Valley Camera Club, and Board Member of the Trust Division of the South Carolina Banker’s Association. Bernie was a member of Christ Lutheran Church. In former communities, he was active in Presbyterian churches in many ways including Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Elder and Trustee.

Those left to cherish Bernie’s memory are his sister, Nancy O Swanson of Paradise Valley, Arizona; nephews, Stuart Swanson and Bart K. Swanson; niece Carrie S. Fleming, all of London, UK; and nine great nieces and great nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Christ Lutheran Church, 324 2nd Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602 with Pastor Alec Fisher officiating. Family will receive friends after the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 324 2nd Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602 or to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd. Newton, NC 28658.

The Oyaas family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Hickory, NC.