Bernie W. Erbert, 80, of Russell died on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.  He was born on June 18, 1929 in Ellis, Kansas the son of Bernard, Sr. and Anna (Dreiling) Erbert.  He grew up on a farm near Ellis and graduated from Ellis High School.

He was united in marriage to Verna (Claussen) Shaffer.  This union was blessed with two children; Jeff and Julie.

Bernie worked on the farm growing up.  After school, he started working with Easter Davis as an oilfield welder.  In 1958 he opened Bernie’s Welding Shop.  During the 1970’s Bernie became very active in many business ventures.  He was building boat marinas, putting up Butler buildings, started F&B Investments and was involved with the Big 4 Transportation which deliver King of the Road trailers.

Bernie was a past president of the Isis Shrine and a member of the Russell Masonic Lodge.  He also belonged to the Russell Elks Lodge and the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240 Auxiliary.  He enjoyed fishing and camping at the lake, but mainly Bernie was a workaholic.

Surviving family include his son Jeff Erbert of Fairbury, Nebraska; daughter, Julie Bender and husband Rick of Topeka, Kansas; companion, Frances Keith of Russell; brothers, Robert Erbert of Denver, Colorado and George Erbert of Ellis, Kansas; sisters, Mary Anne Wing and Paula Kroger both of Hays, Kansas; four grandchildren, Heather Heyer, Heath Erbert, Kerri Cushing and Matthew Bender; and 9 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Bernie’s Life will be held at 2 PM Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  A Masonic service will immediate follow the funeral and be held at the mortuary.  There will be no committal at the graveside since cremation will take place after the funeral.  Friends may sign the book from 9 AM to 8 PM Friday at the mortuary.  Memorials may be given to Russell V.F.W. Post 6240 or the Isis Temple Shrine Travel Fund and may be sent in care of the mortuary.  Condolences may be sent via email by going to www.pvpmortuary.com, Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the funeral arrangements.