Bernhard Locher

Remembering the extraordinary life of Bernhard Locher-a man whose strength, resilience, and unwavering love for his family not only shaped his own life but left a mark on all who knew him. Born in 1930 in Mariahalom, Hungary, Bernhard's life was defined by challenges, yet it was also a life of incredible grit, perseverance, and a deep commitment to those he loved.
From the very beginning, Bernhard's life was intertwined with hardship, yet it was in these trials that his true character emerged. At the age of 14, while most teenagers were focused on their own small worlds, Bernhard was thrust into a role that no child should ever face. With his father, Michael, taken by the Russian soldiers during World War II and his two older brothers, Lorenz and Anton fighting for Hungary, Bernhard stepped up to care for his family. Without hesitation he took on the duties of plowing the fields, tending to the animals, and ensuring his siblings were fed and safe, all while carrying a burden of responsibility far beyond his years.
One of the stories that truly encapsulates Bernhard's ingenuity and fierce love for his family is the tale of the family cow. In an effort to provide milk for his sisters, Rosa, Nanni, Gretl, and younger brother Gabriel, Bernhard hid their cow in the damp basement, despite his uncle's warning that the cow would get sick. When the Russians took their horses, Bernhard found one sick and abandoned in a field. He brought it home, nursed it back to health, only to have it taken away again. But Bernhard never gave up. He was a fighter, a survivor, always finding a way to care for his family, even in the most dire circumstances.
His strength was not just physical, it was emotional, too. When his father was captured and imprisoned by the Russians, Bernhard risked his life to rescue him. With courage and a quick wit, he managed to free his father from Russian captivity-sometimes with a little help of wine to distract the soldiers. Bernhard himself was imprisoned by the Russians, but even then, his indomitable spirit shone through. He made a daring escape and later took his children to the very terrace where he had leapt 25 feet to freedom. Bernhard's courage, resourcefulness, and love for his family were his driving forces, and though the scars of war would never fully fade, they shaped the man he became.
After the war, Bernhard's family was expelled from Hungary due to their German descent, forced to leave behind everything they knew. They were allowed only 20 kilos of belongings for their journey to Germany. True to form, Bernhard selected the most practical items-feather bedding and cooking pans-tools that would help them rebuild their lives. And rebuild they did. In the small town of Kirrlach, Germany, Bernhard found work as a mason in Mannheim, traveling two hours each way on foot and by train, every day. Although he had dreams of attending college, he was the only one in the family who could find steady work, so he worked tirelessly, learning the craft of building. At the age of 19, he built a home for his family-a house that still stands today, a testament to his unwavering commitment, his skill, and his deep love for those he cared for.
Bernhard's resourcefulness never stopped. On one of his daily journeys to work, he found a broken-down sewing machine and brought it home, allowing his family to mend and sew their clothes. He also won a small electric heating pot at work, providing warmth to their food. Every step he took was a step toward providing for those he loved, and no obstacle was too great for him to overcome.
At 26, Bernhard made his way to Detroit, Michigan, seeking a new beginning. It was there that he would lay the foundation for his future. In Detroit, Bernhard met his wife, Lilli, marrying and raising four children-Rosemarie, Michael, Gabriella Margareta, and Anton. He also brought his mother, his sister Rosa, and his brother Gabriel to join him in Michigan. In the spirit of true generosity, Bernhard built homes for them all. The family didn't just live near one
another-they lived within half a mile of each other, fulfilling his mother's dream to walk past her children's houses on her way to church every day.
Bernhard was not only a devoted father to his children, his son-in-laws, Randy and Dale, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer, but also a deeply giving grandfather to Isabella, Alex, Lea, and Gabriella. He imparted to them lessons of resilience-showing them that no matter the odds, one must always push forward with strength, determination, and love. Even though he did not have an easy life he enjoyed life. He loved to waltz, polka and tango. He enjoyed music, loved playing with his grandchildren and enjoyed good German beer, Wine and a shot of Hennessey or Ausbach.
To know Bernhard was to know a man of great hands, but even greater heart. He built not only homes but a legacy of love, strength, and resilience. Through sheer willpower, he overcame the ravages of war, the trials of exile, and the hardships of life to create a stable, loving foundation for his family.
Bernhard Locher's life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the world around them. He faced unimaginable hardships, but he never lost sight of what mattered most: his family and the future he wanted to create for them.
Today, we remember Bernhard as the man he was-strong, hardworking, and deeply loving. We honor his legacy, the lessons he taught us, and the unyielding spirit that guided him throughout his life. Bernhard Locher, we are forever grateful for the incredible life you lived. Prost.
A memorial gathering will take place at St. Therese of Lisieux 48115 Schoenherr Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48315 on Friday (February 28th) at 9:30am until the time of Mass at 10am.