Bernie Ilaug

Bernholdt (Bernie) Ilaug of Dawson passed away on May 23, 2025 at Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson at the age of 95. 

A Celebration of Life in honor of Bernie will be held at a later date.

Bernie was born on November 16, 1929 to Bernholdt and Alma (Skotterud) Ilaug in Dawson, MN. He attended school in Dawson and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1947 and was honorably discharged in 1956 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. After serving in the military, he lived in the Minneapolis area where he worked for a few years, attended Dunwoody Institute, and was employed at Nordquist Sign Company.

Bernie moved back to Dawson in the mid-70’s where he was self-employed as a sign painter for over 40 years. Many of his signs and artwork can still be seen in the Dawson area. In his later years he worked for the Title V Senior Program doing maintenance and painted wall murals at the Dawson City Hall and Public Library. He was a regular at the mealsite where he enjoyed the meals, visiting with others and playing his concertina at the monthly birthday celebrations. He was a member of the Dawson American Legion, VFW and Grace Lutheran Church.

Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, listening to music, making model airplanes, drawing cartoons/animals and having a good time with his brothers and friends. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and artistic talent.

Bernie is survived by his daughters, Pam (Kurt) Jensen of Lamberton, MN and Beth (Jamie) Olson of Glenwood, MN; grandsons, Jesse (Megan) Olson of Ely, MN and Zane Olson of Glenwood, MN; brother, Lawrence Ilaug of Watertown, SD and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Harold, Fred and George; and sister Thelma Jane Delli Paoli.