Bernie Sykes, 81, of Blairsburg, died Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 1, 2010 at the United Church of Christ -Congregational in Blairsburg, with Rev. John Wilson officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 31, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at Foster Funeral and Cremation Center. Erma Berneil Plahn, daughter of Erick and Bertha Larson Plahn, both Swedish immigrants, was born on April 10, 1929 in Dayton, IA. She received her education from Dayton Community schools graduating in 1947. She attended Waldorf College in Forest City where she received her Teachers Certificate. She taught the third grade in Stanhope for threeyears. On April 19, 1952, Bernie married Joe Sykes in Dayton. The couple farmed in the Blairsburg area for many years. In the early 1970's Bernie started the first preschool in Blairsburg with Shirley Hanson, which Bernie thoroughly enjoyed. Bernie is survived by her husband, Joe, daughters and son-in-law, Linda Sykes of Kalispell, MT and Christy and Carl Geraci of St. Louis, MO; sons and daughter-in-law,Michael Sykes of Bayard, NE andBrian and Rhonda Sykes of Nevada; and her grandson, Cameron Geraci of St. Louis, MO. Bernie was a member of the United Church of Christ - Congregational of Blairsburg. She was active in the women's circle, quilting club and many clubs throughout the community. She also enjoyed playing the piano. Family was very important to Bernie; she enjoyed the time spent with her husband and raising her four children. Her grandson, Cameron, was very special to her, and she was very excited and thrilled in being part of his life, especially his homecoming after he was born. Bernie is preceded in death by her parents. Write a personal tribute or light a virtual candle for the Sykes family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com