John “Bernie” Moore Bjornstad, who was born on October 16, 1952, passed away on July 14, 2026. Visitation will begin with the family present from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29th, at the Warner Chapel in Spencer. A memorial service in his honor will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Warner Chapel in Spencer, Iowa, with Father Brian Hughes officiating. Musical selections chosen for the service include “Song of Farewell,” “Forever Young,” and “My Way.” Mark Carey, Bruce Nystrom, Larry Harden, Charlie Crouch, JT Thomas, Dave Jacobsen, and Terry Roberts will serve as honorary pallbearers. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer, Iowa.
John “Bernie” Moore Bjornstad, the son of Mary Jane (Moore) and Wallace Bjornstad, was born October 16, 1952, in Spencer, Iowa. He spent his childhood years in Spencer, graduating from Spencer High School in 1971. In 1973, Bernie joined the United States Navy, serving three years before being honorably discharged. He went on to receive his undergraduate degree at Emporia State University in 1984 and his law degree from Creighton University in 1987. Bernie completed his CPA certification in 1986, working for a short time for the IRS in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
In 1988, Bernie returned to Spencer, joining the law office of Cornwall, Avery, Bjornstad & Scott alongside his brother, Chris. After moving to Okoboji, Bernie joined his brother Ned in partnership at Bjornstad Law Office in Spirit Lake. He dedicated his career to tax law and preparation, probate, real estate, and family law—and was fondly referred to as “Bernie the Attorney” by many clients over the years. Bernie was a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, a third-degree Knights of Columbus member, and a former member and past president of the Spencer Hy-Noon Kiwanis, where he continued to actively volunteer at the K-Café fair stand.
Bernie was a proud dad to Jack and Emily, “uncle-odd-father” to Sarah, grandpa to Ebba, Wallace, and Bjorn, and a beloved brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was genuine, kind, witty, gentle, humble, and had a heart that was larger than life. Bernie enjoyed fishing, reading, listening to music, drives around the lake, Sunday afternoon movies, and all things Iowa Hawkeyes. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.
Bernie passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, after a short, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Moe and Wally; stepmother, Marcia Bjornstad; and sister, Mary “Pooh” Bjornstad Heinrichs. Left to cherish Bernie’s memory are his son, Jack (Nikki) Bjornstad; daughter, Emily Bjornstad; niece, Sarah (Cody) Wurm; three grandchildren: Ebba, Wallace, and Bjorn Bjornstad; his former wife, Diane Heggestad; sister, Margie Russell; brothers: Chris (Connie) Bjornstad, Ned Bjornstad, and Fred (Deb) Bjornstad; and many nephews, nieces, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and treasured clients.
Bernie was deeply loved and will be forever missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his sweet smile, shaggy curls, quick wit, and kind soul. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Spencer Hospital Foundation or the Spencer Hy-Noon Kiwanis in Bernie’s honor.
