Bernard (Bernie) Joseph Beaudry, 90, went to his eternal reward on March 9, 2022. Bernie was born February 26, 1932, to Louis and Laura (Martin) Beaudry in Otsego, MN. He was the youngest of nine children.
Growing up on a farm, Bernie learned at a young age the value of hard work and education. He went on to graduate from DeLaSalle High School, Minneapolis, MN, then earning a BS in Chemistry from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN and finally earning a Master's degree in Metallurgy from Iowa State University.
During his 38 years of research with the Ames Laboratory, Bernie achieved recognition for his dedication and expertise on rare earth elements. He published hundreds of articles, following his personal motto of “Publish or Perish”. He won the 1986 Superior Service Award from ISU. He mentored international students and later traveled the world, sharing his research.
Bernie married Charlotte Jean Aldera on June 1, 1957, in Jefferson, IA. He and Char made their home in Ames, where they raised seven children. His schedule was busy as he was an active participant and supporter of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s lives. Along with supporting his church, he was passionate about volunteering in numerous activities. One of his favorites was being the hugger at the finish line during the Special Olympics. He stayed active by biking, dancing, singing, gardening, camping, and playing racquetball. To play cards, cribbage, or ping-pong with him meant waiting in line. He made it a priority for his children to know their relatives, loading them into the station wagon to travel to MN, OK, and TX. He entertained everyone with his childhood stories, puns, poetry and “Bernie jokes”.
Following Char’s death in 2008, Bernie was blessed to find someone to share the rest of his life with. He married Patricia d’Entremont on April 9, 2011, in Florence, AZ, and they were both welcomed warmly into each other’s families. Yearly, they split their time between AZ and IA, enjoying family activities and events. They cherished their church family and the quieter time of their lives together.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and first wife, Char. Survivors to carry on his memory are his children: Ed (Nancy) of Corvallis, OR; Mary (Jeff) McKinney of Tipton, IA; Margaret (Jeff) Ploeger of Spirit Lake, IA; Brian (Debbie) of Ames,IA; Dan of Galveston, TX; Lori (Lance) Larson of Fairfax, IA; Steve (Michelle) of St. Louis Park, MN; 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, as well as his wife, Pat, and her three children: Paul (Cindy Heath) Weaver of Gilbert, AZ; Helen (Alan) Valliere of Mesa, AZ; and Jane (Gil) Benavidez of Florence, AZ; 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, Bernie requests donations be made to Special Olympics of Iowa or St. Cecilia’s Church.
Visitation: March 27 from 3-5:00 PM followed by a vigil at Stevens Memorial Chapel. On March 28, a rosary will be at 8:45 AM followed by a visitation prior to the 10:00 AM funeral at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Ames, IA.
