He introduced himself and told us his sweet wife Leanna would meet us the next morning. We walked into the church and Bernie lovingly showed us around the church that was so evident he loved. After giving us a brief history and tour of the church, we drove down the street where the parsonage sat. The parsonage, like the church was very well taken care of. One of the things that makes me smile about that day was the way Bernie would jingle the change, or keys, that were in his pants pocket. He would talk softly and jingle at the same time. That reminded me of my Dad.
Through these past 9, almost 10 years we have so many memories of Bernie & Leanna. I never heard anything negative from either one of them, always encouraging in everything. Leanna went home several years ago, and we still miss her!
After Leanna went home, Bernie bought a truck. It is parked in his garage, (backed in) a one stall garage. Bernie has had a few heart issues, and came through them well, and suffered a stroke almost 2 years ago. The stroke was hard on him and it took him awhile to get back on his feet. He had to stop driving to church, but could drive up town if the weather was good. Those hardships did not stop him from being in church every Sunday morning for Sunday school, morning worship and second service. Bernie never missed Wednesday night prayer service! He was faithful. He loved his Lord! He loved his daughter, Patty and her husband Kyle. He loved his Mark Family! He loved and enjoyed a wonderful garden every summer! His tomatoes were wonderful!
Not too long ago, Bernie was diagnosed with cancer of the jaw. A few weeks ago, he had surgery to remove the bone, replacing it with part of his wrist bone, and grafting the jaw and wrist with tissue from his thigh. The surgery lasted over 12 hours. He left the hospital 1 week later :) A few days later, Bernie started having some complications with his heart.
Bernie passed away this afternoon. He is with His Lord!
Bernie was 87 years old. Such a precious man that will be missed by so many!
I haven't written on my blog for a long time. But today I felt like I wanted to write about Bernie. He was an amazing Christian man who walked the walk and talked the talk. I will miss him so very much!
