Bernard Allen Koep, lovingly known as Bernie, passed away on October 12, 2026, at the age of 74, following a battle with kidney cancer.

Bernie was born to Edward and Mary Ann (Becker) Koep on February 2, 1952, in Vining, Minnesota.

Bernie's strong work ethic began early, as he spent his high school years working on a dairy farm. During those years, he also developed a passion for wrestling, which earned him a scholarship to Bismarck Junior College. He later continued his education at Bemidji State University.

During high school, Bernie met his sweetheart and married Jan Wagner on June 23, 1973. They eventually settled in Dayton, Minnesota, where they raised their four daughters, creating a lifetime of memories together.

Throughout his career, Bernie worked as an accountant and took great pride in building his own accounting practice, dedicating more than four decades to serving his clients. For Bernie, his work was about more than numbers and finances. He valued the relationships he built with his clients and was always willing to lend a listening ear, offer advice, or simply take the time to connect.

Bernie will be remembered as a hardworking, dedicated family man with a love for sports and a genuine care for the people in his life. He was someone who showed his love through his actions, his time, and simply being there for those who mattered most.

To say Bernie loved sports would be an understatement. He enjoyed playing softball, participating in bowling leagues, and spending time fishing and hunting. But one of his greatest passions was coaching. What began with coaching his daughters in elementary school grew into nearly 30 years of coaching softball and volleyball. He took great pride in helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game.

Bernie wasn't one to hand out praise for every little thing, so when a player earned an "atta girl," they knew they had done something right. Those two simple words carried a lot of meaning.

One of Bernie's greatest joys was being Papa to his nine grandchildren. Whether cheering them on at their activities or simply spending time together, he treasured the moments they shared.

Outside of sports, Bernie enjoyed the simple things in life, especially spending time outdoors, fishing, hunting, or relaxing on his deck. Above all, he treasured time with his family and the life he and Jan built together.

Bernie is survived by his beloved wife, Jan Koep; his four daughters, Alanna (Matt) Wolkerstorfer, Amanda (Dan) Gregory, Cassie (Casey) Johnson, and Christa (Dakota) Nicholson; and his nine grandchildren, Tyler, Jayce, Kayla Wolkerstorfer; Colin, Mason, Grace Gregory; Amy Johnson; Maxine, Sage Nicholson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Ann Koep, and his brother, Jim Koep.