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BORN
1940
DIED
2024
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Fred Bernhard Obituary
GREENVILLE -- Rev. Dr. H. Fred Bernhard, age 83 of Greenville, Ohio, passed away at 5:08 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Fred was born April 14, 1940, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and the son of the late Howard and Florence (Gibble) Bernhard.
Fred graduated with a B.S. from Elizabethtown College and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Earlham School of Religion and Doctorate of Ministry degree from Bethany Theological Seminary. He has served pastorates in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio. Although retired from full-time pastoral ministry after 42 years, Fred is currently employed part-time as the interim pastor at the Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren. This is Fred's eighth interim since retirement. Fred has co-authored six books on biblical hospitality; the latest book entitled "Outrageous & Courageous." He served on the Church of the Brethren General Board, the Brethren Benefit Trust Board and was the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Moderator in 1996. He currently serves as a trustee on numerous local and community boards and is the Chair for the Brethren Retirement Community Board of Trustees in Greenville, Ohio.
Fred is originally from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and his wife, Joice, is from Frederick County, Maryland. Fred very much enjoyed meeting and greeting persons from all walks of life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Patty Bernhard in 2019, granddaughter Melissa Renee Bernhard in 2004 and brother Bruce Bernhard.
Fred is survived by his wife, Joice (Burall) Bernhard. They were married November 26, 1964. Also children Barbara (Wayne) Huffer, Howard Bernhard and Thomas (Melodie) Bernhard; grandchildren Kim (Wayne) Robertson, Lori (Charles) Vaughn, Robert (Alyssa) Bernhard, Rachel Bernhard and Tyler Maas, Carrie (Matt) Banks and Michael (Jessica) Bernhard; great-grandchildren Jordan Haugh, Jacob Haugh, David Huffer, Hadley Banks and Logan Banks; sister-in-law Doris Bernhard; nephew Kirk Bernhard and niece Holly (Jim) Swanner.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Oakland Church of the Brethren, 8058 Horatio-Harris Creek Road, Bradford, Ohio, with Pastors Bob Bitner, Jon Keller and Nick Beam officiating. The family will be receiving friends on Friday, March 22, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Oakland Church. A private burial will be held in the Oakland Cemetery.
It is the wishes of the family that memorial contributions be given to the Brethren Retirement Community Resident's Aid, 750 Chestnut Street, Greenville, Ohio, or the Oakland Church of the Brethren, 8058 Horatio-Harris Creek Road Bradford, Ohio, 45308.
Funeral arrangements by Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio. Condolences for the family may be set to www.zecharbailey.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Bernhard
Robert Shank
April 4, 2024
From Robert Shank, son of Walter Shank
Four years younger I heard your name often. Were you raised in the Florin cong, I was in the Rheems but I remember your parents.
[email protected]
Phil Miller
March 23, 2024
Phil Miller
March 23, 2024
Phil Miller
March 23, 2024
Phil Miller
March 23, 2024
A wonderful man, husband, father, and minister. He will be missed by so many of us who he has touched. I have been gone for a long time, but growing up next to him and attending Oakland left an impact on who I am. Oakland Church was his church and he had gift to create a wonderful loving community within the church that carried over to the Gettysburg community. It was a wonderful place to grow up. I will never forget the service when he brought heifers into the church or the children's story of giving out dimes to see who would say thank you. He will be missed. I am sending prayers and thoughts to the Bernhard family.
Penny Horine
March 21, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family for awhile.
Dennis Butts
March 19, 2024
What a great man, always enjoyed the conversations when our paths crossed.
Deepest condolences to the family for your loss.
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Zechar Bailey Funeral Home1499 N Broadway PO Box 337, Greenville, OH 45331
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