Cory Bercier, age 79, of Bottineau, ND passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Trinity Hospital, Minot, ND.

Cornell "Cory" Joseph Bercier was born on November 30, 1946 in Rolla, ND to John J. and Metha (Parisien) Bercier, the 3rd of ten siblings.  He was raised in Belcourt, baptized and confirmed at St. Ann's Catholic Church and attended school there until the 8th grade. He spent his days growing up with his brothers and sisters dreaming of being a cowboy.  Cory graduated from Belcourt High School, an accomplished athlete in track, football, and basketball.  He furthered his education at college in Dickinson on a track scholarship.  As the Vietnam War loomed, Cory enlisted in the United States Navy in May 1968 and received an honorable discharge in October 1969. He was united in marriage to Nancy Law from Rolette in 1974 and together they had a daughter, Michelle.  Cory worked as a contractor in the early 70's and 80's, living in Custer, SD and working for the Forest Service. He also owned and operated his own lumber mill in the Black Hills.  He later moved to Sidney, MT, working for Jeff Kelly and his uncle Ray Bercier in an auto body shop.  Cory then worked for PCS Concrete with Danny Longie and Randy Azure.

In 1994 after he had "seen all he wanted to see," he moved back to the Turtle Mountains and his life changed forever when he began working for Indian Health Services where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Kaylor) "Susie." They married on October 16, 1997 in Rolla and bought a ranch near Bottineau where they raised rodeo AQHA and APHA horses, making hay, and living a cowboy's dream. They were each other's best friends for over 32 years.  He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association.  Cory spent numerous afternoons taking care of his beloved horses Woodrow and Blue who were named after his favorite movie characters from Lonesome Dove.  He took extra pride in his home, and his lawn which he cut immaculately, a trait from his father, John, as he also was teased for. Cory had a kind and gentle soul who could give rock solid advice with a 99% accuracy rate.  Cory retired from IHS in 2016 after over 22 years of federal service.

Cory had a contagious laugh and sense of humor that made him instant friends with all who met him and a favorite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews.  His brothers all claim that he was their rock and their best friend.  He was especially proud of his daughter, Michelle as well as the boys that made him a grandfather: Luke and Cole. Cory had a deep devotion to his catholic faith, and he will be forever missed by his wife, daughter, grandchildren, siblings, family members and friends.  Please keep them in your continued prayers.

Cory is survived by his wife, Susie Bericer of Bottineau; daughter, Michelle (Robert) Huff of Paul, Idaho; step-children, Claudette (Ken) Mitz of Minot and Jeremy (Bobbi) Kuhnhenn of Towner; grandsons, Luke Huff and Cole Huff; step-grandchildren, Blair Kuhnhenn, Brooke and Brock Bailey, and Destin and Jersey Mitz; siblings, Delilah (Joseph) Gourneau of Aberdeen, SD, Lyman (Bonnie) Bercier of Rolla, Ivan (Carmen) Bercier of Argusville, Connie (Jeff) Reuer of Aberdeen, SD, Jovita Keegan of Bismarck, Dawn (Chuck) Muth of Aberdeen, SD, John Jr. (Marilyn) Bercier of Aberdeen, SD, and Alan Bercier of Belcourt; and many nieces and nephews.

Cory was preceded in death by his parents, John and Metha Bercier and sister, Monica Bercier-Wickre.

Casket Bearers are Luke Huff, Cole Huff, Robert Huff, Jeremy Kuhnhenn, Ken Mitz, Blair Kuhnhenn, Gary Kaylor, and Randy Azure.  Honorary Bearers are Lyman Bercier, Ivan Bercier, John Bercier Jr., Alan Bercier and all of his nephews. Rosary led by Alan Bercier. Readers are Lyman Bercier and Chrissy Bercier-LaVallie. Eucharistic Gifts by Jeremy and Bobbi Kuhnhenn. Music by C. Joe Parisien and friends. Military Honors by the Lilley-Dionne American Legion Post #262 of Belcourt and the Navy Military Funeral Honor Guard of Fargo, ND.

A visitation will begin at 6:30 PM on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND. Father Sam Medley presiding. A meal will follow the funeral services at Fiddler's Hall, Belcourt, ND.

A special thank you to the Bottineau County Sheriff's Office, St. Andrew's Hospital Staff, Bottineau Ambulance Service, and Trinity Hospital Staff for all of your care shown to Cory and his family.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.