Bernard Bluestein

Bernard Bluestein, 102, of Wheeling, Illinois and formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25,2026. Bernie, a World War II veteran, was an artist and a decades long student at Harper College taking every art class that was available, with sculpture as his favorite. He had a passion for creativity and learning and was a mentor and inspiration to many people.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Bernie was the son of the late Joseph Bluestein and Fanny (Piccus) Bluestein. His father was a tailor, and his mother was a seamstress, which gave him the inspiration for his "needles and pins" sculptures.

Before the war, Bernie attended the Cleveland School of Art, where he answered an ad to become a soldier in the camouflage unit of the Army. This camouflage unit was a secret unit called the "Ghost Army," that helped produce inflatable tanks and other deceptive tactics to mislead enemy forces and save thousands of lives.

Bernie has received many honors. In July of 2022 he received the Harper College Celebration of Achievement Award. In May of 2023 he received an Honorary Degree at Harper College. In March of 2024 his unit received the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington DC for his involvement in the Ghost Army. The sculpture room at Harper College was named after him, and the Palatine Post Office may be also named after him.

Bernie was the cherished father of Keith Bluestein and Aleyce (Thomas) Lacy. He was the proud grandfather of Colin (Dana) Lacy and Ahren (Ashley Newton Lacy). He was the treasured great grandfather of Willow Brooks, Blair Newton-Lacy and Rhys Newton-Lacy. He was preceded in death by his sister Leona (Sam) Levine.

A memorial service will be on Sunday June 14th at 2:00 at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 N. Buffalo Grove Road (One block north of Lake Cook Road. Private interment held at Zion Memorial Park, in Bedford Heights, Ohio. Memorials in his memory to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Arrangements were by Chicago Jewish Funerals, Buffalo Grove Chapel and Berkowitz Kumin Bookatz Memorial Chapel in Cleveland. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website www.cjfinfo.com