A life well lived - Bernard Funke

Our world dimmed a bit when Bernard died on February 25, 2018.  But when we, the survivors, really thought about it, Millie's bright light welcomed Bernard to his heavenly home.  He's really been ready for that blessing for over four long years.  He missed his sweetheart so much after her death in December, 2013, that even wandering through their home on McCarroll St. in Clarkston continually broke his empty heart.

So, after, a rehab stay at Prestige Care he told the kids he wanted to move to Evergreen Estates.  Honestly, I doubt they've ever had such a delightful resident.  When I visited Bernard he always told me how grateful he was to live there.  He lavished compliments on all the staff, the good food, and the ability to visit with others throughout the day. The kids filled his room with images of Millie and lots of pictures of the grandkids.  Bernard was quite proud of the Quilt of Valor hanging behind his easy chair.  He continued to live positively, even when his eyesight failed and watching TV did not bring him much pleasure.  He looked forward to daily visits from his devoted children.  I think Bonnie came every day, unless she and Jerry were spending time at the cabin.  The boys visited too and enjoyed a late afternoon drink with him.  I loved to visit Bernard and Millie, especially at Christmas time because they made the best Tom and Jerry's and were quick to offer one during my visits. 

Bernard loved to dance.  He rarely sat one out when we were together at family wedding celebrations!  He never seemed to get tired or winded, but honestly he wore me out whenever I danced with him.  I know he and Millie loved to square dance and travel with their group.  They were able to enjoy one of their passions in their retired years.

 Bernard was also passionate about extended families.  He loved to call the spouses "outlaws."  This picture was taken at Tillie's 88th birthday celebration.  

He loved all family celebrations and even though it wore him out, he insisted on attending the annual Wessels' reunions at Hells Gate State Park. 

I love all these pictures of Bernard, thanks to Gary and Duane for the photos!


Father Root delivered a beautiful homily about Bernard's life, which we likened to the tapestry of the quilt on display in front of the altar.  Father Root described Bernard's life as colorful, just like a quilt.  He loved to have fun and by default, became the life of any party.  He loved people and Dale told the touching stories of his last phone calls to the people he loved.  He apparently liked a good cigar and good bourbon!  He loved his kids and grandkids.  He enjoyed spending time at Bonnie and Jerry's cabin and was so proud of them and the work they did on the cabin.  He loved his sons and expressed so much gratitude to them for continuing the auto detailing business that he started.  He was proud of every grandchild and even some great grands! 

Thank you, Denise Wilfong Aldous, for this picture of your children, Mom, and Grandpa Bernard, taken in February!  It's a great photo depicting the tapestry of lives that Bernard and Millie created by their love for each other.

This one also from Denise on Facebook, When it's almost time to let go but you just don't want to...

Bernard would want us to raise a glass and enjoy a cigar and truly live the words that were on his memorial card.

"I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

of happy time sand laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun,

of happy memories that I leave, when my life is done!"

Thank you Bernard for all the happy and laughing times.  You enriched my life and taught me how to laugh and how to love!  Rest in peace my dear brother in law!