Richard Martin Bernard

Richard Bernard, 93, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Green Acres Assisted Living.  Richard was born on January 25, 1929, son of the late Joseph and Isabel (Martin) Bernard, in Lansing, Mi.  He graduated in the class of 1948 from St. Mary's Cathedral High School in Lansing.  On July 26, 1952, he married the love of his life Justine Lucille Lavey at St. Mary's Cathedral in Lansing.  Together they raised four children.  Richard was a member of the Naval Reserve in the early 50's.  He worked in the lumber industry for over 55 years, beginning as a young man at a hardware store on West Saginaw Street in Lansing.  In the mid-50's he pursued a job in Mt. Pleasant at Cashway Lumber Company near downtown, where he was eventually promoted to General Manager.  He finished out his career as General Manager of Mission Lumber Company.  Richard was a skilled home builder, and as his family grew, he designed and built two homes in Mt. Pleasant.  He enjoyed playing cards, family trips to the cabin, and woodworking projects.  He was a devoted Catholic, and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Mt. Pleasant and the Elks Club in Alma.  Richard was a loving husband and father, and his family meant everything to him.  He will be greatly missed.  He is survived by his children, Milissa Bernard of Houghton Lake, Marcella (James) Herndon of Washington, Oklahoma, Melinda Bernard of Mt. Pleasant, and Mike Bernard of Roscommon; grandchildren, Garth, Noel, Matthew, Anna, Brett, and Jamie; great grandchild, Nolan; and brother Fred (Joanne) Bernard of Lansing.  He was preceded in death by both parents; wife, Justine in 2021; brother, Charles Bernard and sister-in-law, Marie Bernard.  A Funeral Mass of Celebration for Richard and Justine together will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 28, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Fred Kawka officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Following the funeral, Richard and Justine's ashes will be interred at Calvary Cemetery.  All are invited to a luncheon in Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home).  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Isabella County Commission on Aging or St. Jude Children's hospital at www.stjude.org.